Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governors Peter Obi, Chibuike Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join him in the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and officially joined the SDP, citing dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s leadership. His defection has fueled speculation about a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Many of his political allies and supporters, particularly in Kaduna State, have also followed him to the new party.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai openly invited opposition leaders to unite under the SDP.
“What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP,” he said.
Speaking further, El-Rufai explained his disappointment with the current administration, which he initially supported.
“What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges. We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.”
El-Rufai also dismissed claims that he betrayed Atiku Abubakar, saying their relationship was built on professional work rather than politics.
“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him. I told Buhari, and I even took Buhari to court on the new naira issue. When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right. It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right. Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him, why are we together now?” he stated.
