Former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday, clarified that he won’t be contesting any political office during the 2027 general elections.
He explained that his renewed involvement in politics is driven only by the need to support credible leadership at the state and national levels.
El-Rufai made this clarification in Kaduna when he received a group of PDP youths who defected to the African Democratic Congress under the leadership of Aliyu Bello.
Lambasting the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, the former governor said the failure of the current government is visible to all Nigerians without further explanation.
“This is a government that does nothing but lie every day. Everyone’s conscience tells them the truth. I am not contesting for anything; I don’t want to go to the Senate. I am not contesting for any position. That is why I am calling on you: let us join hands and ensure we remove the oppressors,” he added.
El-Rufai noted that his initial plan after leaving office was to retire completely from partisan politics. However, recent developments compelled him to return, though not with personal ambition.
He said, “When I finished my tenure as governor of Kaduna, my intention was to step back and rest. But given the way things have turned out, I believe we must play our part to bring about better leadership. That is why we are back in politics.”
He stressed that his role now is to support young people, women, and reform-minded Nigerians to take ownership of the political process and drive change.
The former governor urged young people to get registered and participate fully in the electoral process.
“In Lagos and Osun, at least over 600,000 people registered. But in Kaduna, only 60,000. Anyone who is 18 years old should go and register, even with your phone. Registration is what gives you the right to choose who governs you,” he stressed.
The former Kaduna governor also warned against complacency, urging citizens to remain vigilant in defending the integrity of the electoral process.
Aliyu Bello, the leader of the PDP youth defectors to the ADC, said his mission had always been to empower young people rather than encourage thuggery.
