El-Rufai Advocates North-South-South Alliance to ‘Save’ Nigeria
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has called for a renewed political alliance between the North and the South-South region to “save” Nigeria.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of late Niger Delta elder statesman, Edwin Clark, on Friday, el-Rufai stressed the historical political ties between the two regions, urging a return to such collaboration.
“In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the traditional political partners of the North were 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,” he said.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about potential coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures holding strategic meetings.
El-Rufai, who was led to the visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, praised Atiku’s role in spearheading economic reforms under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration between 1999 and 2007.
The former governor has recently been engaging with opposition figures, fueling speculations about his political future. In January, he met with Hamza Al-Mustapha, former aide to late Head of State Sani Abacha; Shehu Gabam, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); and other political players in Abuja.
Segun Sowunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign, described these meetings as part of efforts to strategize for 2027.
Amid reports of his growing discontent with the All Progressives Congress (APC), el-Rufai had last month hinted that the distance between him and the ruling party was “widening.”