Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai More guidance regarding the rumored coalition among opposition parties ahead of the general election in 2027 was provided by the meeting last week between a few political players and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) leadership.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Political heavyweights such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ally Hamza Al-Mustapha, and SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam were among those present during the January 6 meeting. As the 2027 election approaches, it has continued to garner media attention and provoke sentiments among Nigerians in recent days.
Sources within the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) told BusinessDay that the meeting was part of the efforts to strategize going forward, despite the SDP national chairman’s denial that it was connected to the planned merger of opposition parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the general election in 2027.
According to the sources, the opposition leaders have realized how important it is to work together and would look into all ways to make that happen. “Yes, a meeting was held, as you are aware; it might have been called for additional consultation; the politicians were planning to discuss an alliance, but it might be too soon to make any assumptions at this time; let’s wait and see what happens over the next few months.
The source stated, “I want to think the leaders are working toward a common interest, but there is nothing solid yet.” Segun Showunmi, a PDP chieftain who attended the meeting and collaborated closely with Atiku before the general election in 2023, claimed in a post on his Facebook page that the meeting was strategic. The purpose of the gathering, according to Showunmi, was to assess the opposition’s democratic participation in Nigeria and develop a more powerful opposition in front of the general election in 2027.
“You have to leave at first light! SDP chairman HE Shehu Gabam called a strategic discussion with Otunba Segun Showunmi, HE Nasir El-Rufai, and major Hamza Al-Mustapha. Showunmi remarked, “The alternative is to meet, greet, and assess the level of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria.” According to some other reports, the meeting last week was a part of ongoing efforts to strengthen opposition leaders’ alliances in order to mount a united front against President Bola Tinubu in the next election.
El-Rufail refuted a report last week that he was considering leaving the ruling APC for an opposition group. In a tweet on his X Twitter on Sunday, the former governor of Kaduna State urged Nigerians to ignore the assertion. “Please ignore the rumors and outright lies regarding my political affiliation. The former governor of Kaduna declared, “My lawyers have referred the main propagandists of the fake news for action.”
Since being passed over for a ministerial position in the federal cabinet, the former governor of Kaduna has been making fun of the president and the ruling party. In a recent post on his X account, El-Rufai accused President Bola Tinubu of favoring his Yoruba relatives through nepotism. His acts, according to observers, may indicate that he is leaving the ruling party before the general election in 2027.
Many Northern leaders have joined the opposition and formed a coalition ahead of 2027 after voicing dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration’s leadership style and contentious policies in recent months. The League of Northern Democrats (NLD), led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, made hints last weekend about plans to change its name to a political party in front of the general election in 2027. Political analysts have questioned the opposition alliance’s ability to overthrow the ruling party in recent months.
Many worry that due to the political actors’ own ambitions and interests, such an alliance may not work out or may break down at the last minute. In particular, if parties do not exercise caution or engage in a cordial discussion, selecting a candidate to represent the group as president may lead to discord. Speaking at the gathering, SDP chairman Gabam stated that neither El-Rufai nor anyone else has made any formal announcement regarding their intention to join the party.
“As I stated, they are receptive to dialogue and discussions for a better Nigeria,” he said. The future of Nigeria is at stake, not a political party. “We are looking for like-minded people who believe in the future of the country so that we can work together and uplift the individual standard of Nigeria,” he added, underscoring the party’s dedication to promoting national prosperity.
In order to stabilize the nation and avert problems that might have an impact on Nigerians, Gabam also emphasized that the SDP was a party committed to offering constructive opposition. “A discussion is under progress. At the appropriate moment, we will reach a decision and have a formal news conference. We will reveal it to all Nigerians after we have decided on what we will do jointly,” Gabam emphasized.
On social media, numerous Nigerians have responded to images and stories of the politicians’ encounter. Some praised the event, but others cautioned that some of the attendees might not be reliable. “I just hope Mallam El-Rufai won’t go and take the Atiku option,” Elijah Uwa remarked. I firmly believe that he is more politically aware than Al-Mustapha and his associates. Without a certain, in order to advance the nation, we must form a single opposition alliance before 2027.
Additionally, Sunday Mark stated: “The Wikes, Bwalas, and Renos of this world have taught these other politicians nothing if they haven’t learned how divisive politics are played using random people who pose as good Samaritans.” @elrufai must have to be cautious around some individuals.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
