In a candid interview with BBC Hausa Service, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly denied accusations of betraying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ex-presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. El-Rufai, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), made these remarks while reflecting on his political journey and offering his views on the future of Nigerian politics.
El-Rufai’s comments came after he was questioned about his political relationship with Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s former presidential candidate, especially in light of his recent departure from the APC. The former governor denied any betrayal of Atiku, stating that their relationship was built on work, not politics.
“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work,” El-Rufai explained. He went on to emphasize that he had always been open about his views and criticisms, even when they involved members of his own political camp. He pointed to his previous open disagreements with former President Muhammadu Buhari, which even led him to take Buhari to court over the new naira notes policy.
El-Rufai’s remarks also touched on his previous support for the APC, particularly for President Bola Tinubu. He stated that he and other APC members supported Tinubu because they believed his governance style, particularly in Lagos, could be replicated nationwide. However, El-Rufai expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s performance so far, stating that the president had failed to live up to expectations.
“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 said, alluding to the challenges faced by Tinubu during the election and his subsequent leadership.
El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC and join the SDP has raised eyebrows, especially given his prominent role within the ruling party. However, the former governor explained that he felt it was time for a change, particularly due to the failure of the current administration to address the issues that the APC promised to resolve.
“I joined the APC because I believed in the party’s potential to bring change, but unfortunately, things have not gone as we expected. That is why I made the decision to move to the SDP,” he said. El-Rufai’s comments suggest that he is seeking a new political platform where he can contribute to shaping the future of Nigeria, independent of the APC’s influence.
One of the most striking parts of El-Rufai’s interview was his call for Nigeria’s leading opposition figures to join the SDP. He mentioned Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, urging them to consider joining the Social Democratic Party to create a unified opposition force.
“What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders— Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola— to join the SDP,” El-Rufai said. His statement indicates his desire for a strong, unified opposition that could challenge the dominance of the APC in future elections. He also suggested that such a move could provide the necessary platform to address the country’s pressing issues, including security, economic development, and political accountability.
El-Rufai’s plea for unity among opposition leaders reflects his belief that the current political landscape in Nigeria is in need of renewal. By encouraging the collaboration of key figures from different parties, he hopes to form a coalition that could offer Nigerians a credible alternative to the APC.
Throughout the interview, El-Rufai emphasized his political philosophy of putting merit and the national interest above party loyalty. He underscored that his decisions, including his critiques of Buhari and support for Tinubu, were not based on regional or ethnic considerations, but on what he believed was best for Nigeria.
“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,” El-Rufai recalled. This comment highlighted his tendency to prioritize principles and the welfare of the country over party lines. El-Rufai’s statement also indicated that his loyalty was ultimately to the Nigerian people, not to any political party.
His remarks also shed light on the shifting dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape. El-Rufai’s openness about his political decisions reflects the changing nature of Nigerian politics, where individuals are increasingly focused on the practical realities of governance rather than rigid party allegiances.
A key moment in El-Rufai’s interview was his discussion of his relationship with Atiku Abubakar. The two men, who once had political disagreements, have now found common ground, with El-Rufai stating that they are on the same side.
“Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him why are we together now?” El-Rufai asked rhetorically. This statement suggests that, despite their past differences, the two have reconciled and are now working together towards common political goals. El-Rufai’s admission of unity with Atiku is particularly significant given the long-standing rivalry between the PDP and the APC. His comments signal a potential realignment of political forces, especially with the ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to chart a new course for Nigeria’s future.
El-Rufai’s move to the SDP and his calls for opposition unity are likely to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s political landscape. As one of the country’s most influential and outspoken politicians, El-Rufai’s decision could pave the way for other key political figures to join the Social Democratic Party, potentially creating a new center of power in Nigerian politics.
The SDP’s ability to attract high-profile political figures will depend on its ability to present a clear and effective alternative to the ruling APC. El-Rufai’s move suggests that the SDP is positioning itself as a party of reform, focused on addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. However, the success of this strategy will require strong leadership and the ability to unite the opposition, which has been deeply divided in recent years.