Kaduna State’s former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has announced that he will not contest any political seat in the 2027 elections.
He said his re-engagement in politics is driven by his desire to support honest and effective leaders—not personal ambition.
Speaking in Kaduna during a reception for defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress, El-Rufai explained that he had planned to withdraw from partisan politics after 2023. However, he felt compelled to return to do his part in steering Nigeria toward better governance.
He criticized the current administration sharply, saying, “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.”
El-Rufai said his primary goal now is to mentor young people, women, and reform-minded citizens to take charge of their politics. He urged Kaduna youths to seize the opportunity of the ongoing voter registration drive: “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 gives you the right to choose who governs you.”
