Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has asserted that the coalition of opposition parties preparing for the 2027 general elections can defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without relying on the support of state governors.
Speaking during a media briefing in Kano on Monday, El-Rufai, who recently joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emphasized that the coalition’s strength lies in mass mobilisation, not elite alliances.
“Governors have only one vote each. Nigerians, by comparison, hold millions of votes,” he said. “Our focus is on the people, not political officeholders.”
Lessons from 2023 Elections
El-Rufai referenced the 2023 general elections, where President Tinubu lost in Lagos State and he himself failed to secure victory in Kaduna despite being the sitting governor.
“That was a tough lesson,” he said. “Elections are no longer dictated by the influence of governors. It’s the people that matter now.”
No Merger with PDP
Dispelling rumours of an alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), El-Rufai stated firmly that the coalition has no intention of merging with any party currently facing internal instability.
“Our intention was never to merge with the PDP. The PDP is plagued with crises. What we are building is fresh- a people-centred movement to restore public trust,” he said.
Defections and Coalition Setbacks
El-Rufai’s remarks follow the recent defection of key PDP members, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Vice Presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the ruling APC. These developments have raised concerns over the strength and unity of the opposition.
Despite this, El-Rufai remains confident. “We are not depending on governors. The support of the masses is what counts,” he reiterated.
Too Early for Presidential Aspirants
Commenting on speculations surrounding 2027 presidential hopefuls, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, El-Rufai said the coalition is not yet focused on individual ambitions.
“Those with presidential ambitions have been asked to step back for now. The priority is building a credible and democratic party platform,” he explained.
Rejecting Godfather Politics
El-Rufai criticised the influence of political godfathers and pledged that the new coalition would operate differently, with an emphasis on internal democracy.
“What ruined APC was the dominance of godfathers. We want a party where decisions reflect the will of the people,” he said.
Why SDP Was Chosen
Explaining why the SDP was selected as the coalition’s platform, El-Rufai said the party’s historic relevance and active registration status with INEC made it the most viable option.
“We assessed several parties, but many risk deregistration. The SDP is stable, has historical roots, and existing structures. It was the logical choice,” he said.
Unity Over Ethnic Politics
Addressing regional concerns, El-Rufai said the coalition would support any capable candidate, regardless of ethnicity or region.
“We are facing a national crisis. What matters is competence and integrity, not where a person comes from,” he concluded.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the SDP-led coalition continues to present itself as a viable alternative for Nigerians seeking change beyond the dominant parties.
