Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a fresh wave of criticism against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that the current administration has no clear path to victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, El-Rufai, now a key figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, boldly predicted that Tinubu would not secure a win in the first ballot.
“Tinubu will be third in the 2027 election. I have done my maths and I can tell you Tinubu has no pathway to win. The worst-case scenario is that there will be no outright winner on the first ballot,” he said.
El-Rufai urged Nigerians to judge the Tinubu-led government by their own living conditions.
“Ask yourself, is your life better now under President Tinubu?” he asked, stressing that there is “no pretense of good intentions” in the administration’s policies.
On His Political Future
The former governor dismissed speculations about his return as a minister, noting that he had already served in that capacity at 23 and had no desire for the role again.
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He, however, admitted that he was once considered for the position of Minister of Energy, where he had outlined a roadmap to reform the sector.
Alliance With Opposition Leaders
A once strong ally of Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai has now aligned himself with opposition heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi.
He emphasized that political victories are decided by the people, not governors, pointing out:
“I was in APC yet I did not deliver my state. Bola Tinubu did not win his state.”
Criticism of Government Performance
El-Rufai also condemned the administration’s handling of insecurity, alleging that while security agencies often claim terrorists are being eliminated, the same criminal elements are still found roaming freely.
On campaign promises by some allies such as Chibuike Amaechi and Peter Obi to govern for only one term, El-Rufai expressed doubt.
“I want them to stop making this kind of commitment. Nobody believes them. Things change once they get in, and such a promise is even unfair,” he added.
With this strong political realignment, El-Rufai’s remarks signal a deepening rift within Nigeria’s political class ahead of the 2027 elections.
