Former Kaduna state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled himself out of the 2027 elections, declaring that his return to politics is not for personal ambition but to support reform-minded leaders who can deliver credible governance at state and national levels.
Speaking in Kaduna while receiving PDP youths who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the leadership of Aliyu Bello, El-Rufai dismissed speculations that he was eyeing the Senate or any other political position.
“I am not contesting for anything; I don’t want to go to the Senate. I am not contesting for any position. That is why I am calling on you: let us join hands and ensure we remove the oppressors,” he said.
The former governor explained that his initial plan after leaving office was to retire quietly, but the state of the nation compelled him to re-engage in politics—not as a contestant, but as a mentor and supporter.
“When I finished my tenure as governor of Kaduna, my intention was 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 added.
El-Rufai stressed that his focus now is on mentoring young people, women and reform-driven Nigerians to take ownership of the political process, urging youths to register massively for the coming polls.
“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 your phone. Registration is what gives you the right to choose who governs you,” he advised.
He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and safeguard the integrity of elections, warning against complacency in the face of what he described as the current government’s failures.
On his part, Bello said the youths who defected from the PDP to ADC were motivated by a desire to empower young people and discourage political thuggery, while pledging to work with El-Rufai in advancing credible leadership.