Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that President Bola Tinubu stands no chance of winning re-election in 2027, arguing that Nigerians have lost faith in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Abuja, El-Rufai dismissed recent defections into the APC as acts of desperation by politicians seeking personal gain or protection from prosecution.
“Anybody who believes President Bola Tinubu can be re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria. It is impossible,” El-Rufai asserted.
“No matter how disorganised the opposition is, I do not see a path to victory for him. Who is going to vote for him? Certainly not the majority of Nigerians who have lost hope in both the APC and PDP,” he added.
He criticised the recent wave of defections to the APC, describing them as motivated by greed and fear rather than ideology.
“Those defecting are either seeking contracts, appointments, or political favours, or they are running from the anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC because they have skeletons in their cupboards,” he said.
El-Rufai, a prominent figure in ongoing coalition talks aimed at forming a third political force, revealed that discussions are still in progress and that no final decisions have been made.
“Anyone claiming to know exactly how the coalition will unfold is mistaken,” he said. “All options are on the table, and the leaders involved are ready to make the necessary sacrifices to unite for Nigeria’s future.”
He further stated that the ultimate goal of the coalition is to build a government that prioritises opportunity for all citizens, especially the poor.
“This is about rescuing Nigeria and creating a system where the poorest can climb the ladder and the richest have opportunities to thrive. It’s about giving every Nigerian a fair shot at fulfilling their potential,” he said.
El-Rufai’s comments come amid growing speculation over the political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
