FORMER Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that he will not contest for any political office in the 2027 general elections, stressing that his renewed involvement in politics is strictly to support credible leadership across all levels of government.
News Point Nigeria reports that El-Rufai made the declaration in Kaduna on Thursday during a reception organised for new members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the leadership of Aliyu Bello.
The outspoken former governor, who left office in 2023, said his original plan was to retire from partisan politics. However, he explained that recent political realities compelled him to return, not to pursue personal ambitions, but to guide and support the emergence of reform-minded leaders.
“I am not contesting for anything. I don’t want to go to the Senate. I am not contesting for any position,” El-Rufai said.
“That’s why I am calling on you, let us join hands and ensure we remove the oppressors. 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.”
El-Rufai also took a swipe at the present administration, accusing it of dishonesty and incompetence.
“This government does nothing but lie every day. Nigerians don’t need any further explanation to recognise its shortcomings,” he stated.
El-Rufai emphasised that his political focus going forward would be on mentorship and support for young Nigerians, women, and reform-driven individuals, whom he described as the future of the country.
According to him, grooming the next generation of leaders is more important than recycling old politicians.
He further urged young people in Kaduna State to seize the opportunity of the ongoing voter registration exercise to position themselves for influence in 2027.
“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 urged.
El-Rufai’s remarks come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
His presence at the ADC reception, coupled with his strong critique of the government, is already fuelling speculations about his influence in shaping the opposition’s strategy, even if he insists he is not a candidate.
