A leading figure in the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, has called on former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to reverse his decision to step away from active politics, urging him to instead contest the 2027 presidential election.
Diala’s appeal comes just days after El-Rufai, speaking to new members of the African Democratic Congress, stated that he had no interest in holding any political office.
In a statement, Diala emphasized that Nigeria needs El-Rufai now more than ever.
He argued that the nation’s current challenges demand a leader with El-Rufai’s unique combination of experience, courage, and leadership.
“Nigeria needs him now more than ever,” Diala stressed, pointing to the complexities the country faces in terms of governance, security, and development.
While acknowledging El-Rufai’s past political actions and reluctance to return to the race, Diala underscored that the stakes for the country go beyond personal ambitions.
He stated, “This moment is not about individual goals but about the future of the nation. El-Rufai must be sensitive to the reality that Nigeria cannot afford to lose out on his leadership at this critical time.”
El-Rufai, who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party, has been in talks with opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi to form a united front for the 2027 elections. However, Diala dismissed concerns that his appeal would undermine the unity of the coalition, asserting that El-Rufai’s candidacy would actually strengthen internal democracy.
“We are not asking him to sideline other leaders, but his leadership would add immense value to the coalition. His entry into the race would help refine internal democracy and bring forth a much-needed change for the country,” Diala said.
The APC chieftain also revealed that he and other supporters have been quietly mobilizing behind the scenes, working across regional, religious, and political lines to build broad-based support for El-Rufai’s presidential bid. “That is the least he owes us, the coalition movement, and the nation at large,” Diala concluded, reinforcing the urgency of El-Rufai’s participation in the 2027 race.
