Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and Bashir Saidu recently convened a closed-door meeting with the executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna. This unexpected gathering has ignited widespread speculation about El-Rufai’s potential defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon. While the specifics of their discussions remain confidential, insiders have described the meeting as “strategic,” hinting at possible political realignments in the near future.
Public reactions have been swift and varied. Many Nigerians took to social media to voice their opinions. One user, @DavidGODsHeart, expressed optimism about the potential shift:
> “Excellent. We need to dislodge APC from Aso Rock for the betterment of the citizens.”
Conversely, others view El-Rufai’s move as a strategic maneuver within the political landscape, possibly signaling internal disagreements within the APC.
In a related development, El-Rufai accompanied former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark, a respected elder statesman and Niger Delta advocate who passed away on February 17, 2025. During this visit, El-Rufai emphasized the importance of a North-South alliance, stating,
> “In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the traditional political partners of the north was the south-south. Let us not forget that. Let us go back to that. Let us save this country because it really requires saving. We need a rescue operation.”
El-Rufai also lauded Atiku’s contributions to economic reforms during the Obasanjo administration, highlighting his role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. However, the condolence visit drew criticism from some quarters. The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) accused Atiku and El-Rufai of politicizing the visit, describing it as a “shameless political charade” that disrespected the memory of Chief Clark and his grieving family.
Amid these events, El-Rufai has refuted claims of his defection to the PDP. In a statement, he urged the public to dismiss such rumors, labeling them as “patent lies” and affirming his continued affiliation with the APC.
These developments underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Nigeria’s political environment, as alliances shift and leaders navigate the complex landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
