2027: I Won’t Contest ADC Presidential Ticket, Says El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has declared that he will not contest the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any political office in the 2027 general elections.
The former governor insisted that his renewed involvement in politics is solely to back credible leadership across all levels of government.
El-Rufai made the declaration in Kaduna during a reception for new decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Aliyu Bello.
The former governor explained that his initial plan after leaving office in 2023 was to step away from partisan politics. However, he said recent developments compelled him to return, not for personal ambition, but to contribute towards the emergence of better governance.
“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 any position. That’s why I am calling on you; let us join hands and ensure we remove the oppressors,” El-Rufai said.
He stressed that his focus was now on mentoring young people, women, and reform-minded Nigerians to take charge of the political process, while dismissing speculations that he might eye the Senate or the presidency.
“When I finished my tenure as governor of Kaduna State, I intended to rest, but given the way things have turned out, I believe we must play our part to bring about better leadership. That is why we are back in politics,” he explained.
The former governor urged young people in Kaduna to seize the ongoing voter registration exercise to make their voices count in the next elections.
“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 is what gives you the right to choose who governs you,” he said.
El-Rufai, a key figure in northern politics, reiterated that his political engagement henceforth would be channelled towards building a movement of credible leaders rather than seeking elective office for himself.
2027: I Won’t Contest ADC Presidential Ticket, Says El-Rufai is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
