Former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has made a bold prediction about Nigeria's political future, stating that the ongoing wave of governors defecting between major parties will not influence voter decisions in the crucial 2027 general elections.
Defections Don't Reflect Voter Sentiment
Speaking on Wednesday, November 19, during the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Contact and Mobilisation Office in Jos, Plateau State, El-Rufai emphasized that mass defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) do not represent the true mood of the Nigerian electorate.
"Governors from the PDP are defecting to the APC, but Nigerians are defecting to the ADC. By God's grace, 230 million Nigerians will defeat 25 governors," the former governor declared to the gathered audience.
ADC Positions as Credible Alternative
El-Rufai, who has emerged as a prominent chieftain of the ADC, argued that Nigerian citizens have completely lost confidence in both the ruling APC and main opposition PDP. He positioned the ADC as the new political home for citizens seeking genuine leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.
"I know that everyone is tired of this APC and PDP government across the country. Nigerians have decided that in 2027, they will vote for the ADC," he stated confidently.
The former governor highlighted the party's inclusive approach to leadership, revealing that the ADC reserves 40% of leadership positions for youth and 35% for women, making it truly a party for young people and women.
Call for National Unity and Youth Support
El-Rufai expressed concern about the decline of Plateau State over recent years, voicing hope that better leadership at both state and national levels could restore stability to the region.
"Things have gone in the wrong direction in Jos and Plateau. I hope with better leadership we will unite people across ethnic and religious lines. Plateau can return to being the Home of Peace and tourism that we have known it to be," he remarked.
He urged residents to support the ADC, emphasizing the party's capacity to unite both Plateau State and the entire nation.
Youth Urged to Embrace ADC
The Plateau State Coordinator of the ADC Contact and Mobilisation Office, Hon Jamilu Lawandi Datti, also addressed the gathering, stressing the critical need for young Nigerians to support the party.
He outlined the numerous challenges facing Nigerian youth, including widespread unemployment, persistent insecurity, poor education standards, and inadequate healthcare, particularly in rural communities.
"Young people are suffering, and they need a party that understands their challenges," Datti emphasized, calling on youth nationwide to rally behind the ADC as the country moves toward the next general elections.
The event marks a significant step in the ADC's preparation for the 2027 elections, following the recent unveiling of their national secretariat in Abuja's Wuse 2 area. The party's growing presence suggests it aims to become a formidable third force in Nigerian politics, challenging the dominance of the APC and PDP.
