By Our Reporter
Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled out contesting for any political office in the 2027 general elections, insisting that his return to politics is not motivated by personal ambition but by the need to support credible leadership across the country.
El-Rufai made this known in Kaduna during the reception of new members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Aliyu Bello.
“My initial plan after leaving office in 2023 was to rest and step back from partisan politics,” he said. “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.”
The former governor stressed that he was not eyeing any elective position, including the Senate. “This government does nothing but lie every day. I am not contesting for anything. I don’t want to go to the Senate. I am not contesting for any position. That’s why I am calling on you, let us join hands and ensure we remove the oppressors,” he declared.
El-Rufai explained that his focus now was on mentoring young people, women and reform-minded Nigerians, encouraging them to take ownership of the political process. He particularly charged youths in Kaduna to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise.
“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 their phone. Registration is what gives you the right to choose who governs you,” he said.
He also criticised the present administration, saying Nigerians no longer need explanations to recognise its shortcomings.
With his new political stance, El-Rufai said his mission is to galvanise support for credible leadership and nurture the next generation of leaders rather than pursue any office for himself.
