The previous governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, is advocating for a unified opposition among political leaders in the nation.
In a move to achieve this, El-Rufai has extended an invitation to the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, to join the Social Democratic Party.
He has also encouraged the former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to consider joining the party to create a strong opposition front.
El-Rufai’s call comes amidst ongoing political realignment and the formation of a coalition movement in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The ex-Kaduna governor recently made the decision to join the SDP, citing a divergence between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as his main reason.
He expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating, “What saddens me is the underperformance of the government we supported and believed in. We witnessed Tinubu’s achievements in Lagos despite challenges. Although aware of his issues in Chicago, we hoped he could replicate his success in Lagos on a national scale. Unfortunately, he fell short.”
El-Rufai reiterated his call for solidarity among opposition figures, emphasizing, “My desire and prayer are for all opposition leaders—Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and Aregbesola—to unite under the SDP.”
Addressing claims of betrayal towards Atiku, El-Rufai clarified, “I did not betray Atiku Abubakar as our relationship was based on work, not politics. In a work environment, if I observe shortcomings, regardless of the individual, I would address them. I raised issues with Buhari, even taking him to court over the new currency matter.
“During the rift between Obasanjo and Atiku, those of us allied with Obasanjo examined the situation and sided with Obasanjo.
“Our alignment was not based on regional affiliations; rather, it was a matter of principle. Atiku and I now collaborate, and if I had betrayed him, why would we be working together now?”