Eshanekpe Israel, better known as Akpodoro, a former Niger Delta militant and the Mayor of Urhoboland, has warned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against seeking political support from the South-South region ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Akpodoro’s comments come amid growing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, as El-Rufai has been vocal in his criticisms of the current government under President Bola Tinubu, accusing him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of marginalising certain political factions.
Speaking from Abuja on Monday, February 24, 2025, Akpodoro dismissed El-Rufai’s attempts to form a North-South-South alliance to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 election. The former militant leader and influential figure in the South-South region expressed his firm belief that El-Rufai would not find the support he seeks from this region, despite his vocal criticisms of the president and the APC.
In recent weeks, Nasir El-Rufai has been a vocal critic of the APC, where he served as both a governor and a key player in the political establishment. He has particularly spoken out against what he describes as political marginalisation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. El-Rufai’s criticisms have sparked speculation that he might be positioning himself for a run at the presidency in 2027, with a focus on forming a political alliance between the North and the South-South.
However, Akpodoro, a prominent figure in the South-South, which is a key region in Nigerian politics, has warned El-Rufai that this strategy will not be successful. “If El-Rufai thinks he holds significant influence in the North, let alone the South-South, he is mistaken. We once made the error of opposing one of our own, President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2015—we will not repeat that mistake,” Akpodoro stated.
Akpodoro’s comments refer to the 2015 election, where the South-South, which was home to former President Goodluck Jonathan, largely supported his re-election bid. However, the region was not united in its backing, and some political figures in the South-South aligned with opposition candidates, leading to criticism that the region did not fully support its own. Akpodoro insists that the South-South is now more politically aware and will not make the same mistake by supporting someone like El-Rufai, who has shown no interest in the region in the past.
Beyond his criticism of El-Rufai’s political ambitions, Akpodoro also took aim at El-Rufai’s tenure as Governor of Kaduna State. He accused the former governor of leaving behind a legacy of hardship and unrest in the state, particularly in the southern part of Kaduna.
“The people of Southern Kaduna are relieved after his departure,” Akpodoro said. “Many in his state appreciate President Tinubu’s leadership style, which has taken a different approach.”
Akpodoro’s remarks about Southern Kaduna reflect a broader sentiment within the region, where El-Rufai’s time in office was marked by frequent clashes between various ethnic and religious groups, particularly in Southern Kaduna, which has faced long-standing security challenges. El-Rufai’s administration struggled with unrest and violence, leading to criticism from various groups who believed he failed to address the root causes of the conflict.
In addition to his criticisms of El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, Akpodoro also noted that northerners have become more politically aware and are beginning to see through El-Rufai’s ambitions. According to Akpodoro, El-Rufai’s political moves are driven more by personal ambitions rather than the national interest.
“Northerners are now more politically aware and recognise that El-Rufai and his allies prioritise personal ambitions over national interest,” Akpodoro stated. This marks a shift in the political climate, with more people questioning the motivations of established politicians and leaders.
Akpodoro’s statement echoes a growing sentiment among some segments of the population, particularly those in the North, who believe that many political leaders have been more focused on their personal gain than on addressing the real needs of the country. In recent years, there has been increasing scepticism about the motivations of politicians, especially those seeking higher office.
“El-Rufai should look elsewhere for alliances,” Akpodoro said. “During his time at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, he showed no concern for this region, and now he wants to use it for political advantage. We stand firmly with President Tinubu.”
