El-Rufai calls for North-South-South alliance to ‘rescue’ Nigeria

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has urged political stakeholders in northern Nigeria to forge an alliance with the South-South region ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasising the need for a “rescue operation” for the country.

El-Rufai made the statement during a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman and Niger Delta advocate, Edwin Clark. According to him, the historical political partnership between the North and the South-South in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s should be revived to address the nation’s challenges.

“In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the traditional political partners of the North were 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,” he said.

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The visit, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has fueled further speculation about el-Rufai’s political future, following reports that he is distancing himself from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku was praised by el-Rufai for spearheading economic reforms under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, highlighting his role in shaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory. The meeting also had Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku’s presidential campaign, who described it as part of broader efforts to strategise for the 2027 elections.

El-Rufai has recently held discussions with opposition figures, including Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former aide to late military ruler Sani Abacha, and Shehu Gabam, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His engagements have raised questions about his next political move as he continues to meet with key figures across party lines.