Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled out contesting for any political office in the 2027 elections, insisting that his renewed involvement in politics is solely to support credible leadership at both state and national levels.
El-Rufai made this known in Kaduna on Wednesday while receiving a group of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youths who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the leadership of Aliyu Bello.
Taking a swipe at the current administration, the former governor said Nigerians already know its failures.
“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,” El-Rufai declared.
He explained that after leaving office in 2023, his plan was to step back from partisan politics. However, recent developments, he said, compelled him to return—not to pursue personal ambition but to lend his support.
“When I finished my tenure as governor of Kaduna, my intention was to 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 said.
El-Rufai stressed that his current focus is on mentoring and supporting young people, women, and reform-minded Nigerians to actively participate in politics.
He urged youths to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, citing the disparity in registration figures between states.
“In Lagos and Osun, at least 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 advised.
He also warned citizens against complacency, urging them to remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
In his remarks, Aliyu Bello, who led the PDP youth defectors to the ADC, said his priority remains empowering young people and discouraging political thuggery.
