El-Rufai Advocates North-South-South Alliance to ‘Rescue’ Nigeria

Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai calls for a strategic North-South-South alliance, emphasizing unity as a pathway to Nigeria’s transformation. 

Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has highlighted the importance of establishing a revitalized political alliance between northern Nigeria and the south-south region to guide the country towards stability and progress.

During a condolence visit to the family of Edwin Clark, an esteemed elder statesman and Niger Delta leader who passed away on February 17, El-Rufai highlighted the historical political collaboration between their regions.

He stated, “During the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the north’s traditional political allies were from the south-south. We need to rekindle that partnership to rescue Nigeria since our country is in desperate need of recovery.”

PlatinumPost reports that as discussions about coalition-building intensify in preparation for the 2027 general elections, El-Rufai’s interactions with various political figures have sparked talks of possible realignments.

The former governor of Kaduna, who accompanied ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the condolence visit, applauded Abubakar’s contributions to economic reforms during Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2007.

In recent weeks, the former governor has held meetings with prominent opposition leaders such as Hamza Al-Mustapha, a past assistant to Sani Abacha, and Shehu Gabam, who serves as the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Political insiders, including Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign, describe these meetings as strategic discussions in preparation for 2027.

Speculation regarding El-Rufai’s political future has heightened, particularly after his comments last month about feeling increasingly distanced from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).