El-rufai calls for north-south-south alliance to save Nigeria

• There have been speculations that el-Rufai has been working to pitch his political tent elsewhere.
• Last month, el-Rufai said the distance between him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is “widening”.

Former governor of Kaduna, Nasir el-Rufai, has said that northern Nigeria must collaborate with the south-south region to “save” the country from its challenges.

On Friday, during a condolence visit to the family of late elder statesman and Niger Delta advocate, Edwin Clark, he emphasized the historical political relationship between the north and south-south.

“In the 60s, 70s and 80s, the traditional political partners of the north was 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,” el-Rufai said.

With the 2027 elections approaching, discussions about forming coalitions and alliances have intensified, with politicians across opposition parties engaging in “strategic meetings” to strengthen their influence.

Former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, accompanied el-Rufai on the condolence visit, and he stated that Abubakar played a key role in economic reforms under Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

Abubakar served in Obasanjo’s government between 1999 and 2007, contributing significantly to national economic policies and playing an important role in governance.

El-Rufai has recently interacted with opposition members, engaging in political discussions that could influence future political alignments ahead of the next general election.

Former aide to late Sani Abacha, Hamza Al-Mustapha, and national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PDP), Shehu Gabam, met with him in January in Abuja.

Former spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar campaign, Segun Showunmi, stated that the meeting aimed at planning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

El-Rufai is rumored to be exploring alternative political affiliations, distancing himself from his current political platform in search of new alliances.

Last month, he mentioned that his connection with the All Progressives Congress (APC) is “widening,” signaling potential shifts in his political stance.