El-Rufai Calls for Opposition Unity to Challenge Tinubu in 2027
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has issued a strong appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders, urging them to unite in a concerted effort to remove President Bola Tinubu from office in the 2027 general elections. This call to action was made during a meeting at El-Rufai's residence on Thursday, following an alleged attempt by security agencies to arrest him at an airport.
Airport Incident Fuels Determination
El-Rufai claimed that the incident at the airport, which he described as "unfortunate, totally unnecessary, and probably criminal," has only strengthened his resolve to oppose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. In a statement, he emphasized the urgency of the opposition's mission, stating, "Your Excellency, I assure you that what happened today has further reinforced my belief that we must work hard. We must not sleep between now and March 2027 until we remove this tyrant from office."
He alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) utilized operatives from the Department of State Service (DSS) to detain him without proper procedure, intending to hand him over to the commission despite no prior communication. El-Rufai noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier sent an invitation for questioning, and his legal team had informed the agency that he was out of the country and would appear on Monday, February 16.
Legal Team Condemns Arrest Attempt
Following the airport episode, El-Rufai's lawyer, Ubong Esop Akpan of The Chambers of Ubong Akpan, condemned the alleged arrest attempt in a statement. The legal team argued that DSS operatives approached the former governor without an arrest warrant or formal invitation, describing the action as lacking "legal fairness" and ignoring logistical realities. They reiterated that El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had committed to honoring the EFCC invitation upon his return to Nigeria.
Broader Political Context
This development occurs amidst ongoing political tensions in Nigeria, with El-Rufai previously criticizing the biography of late President Muhammadu Buhari, titled 'From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari.' He questioned the loyalty of attendees at the book launch and the choice of venue, the presidential villa, while calling for respect for the deceased leader's legacy. The former governor's statements highlight a deepening rift within the political landscape as opposition figures mobilize ahead of the 2027 polls.
The call for unity against Tinubu underscores the strategic moves by key political players to reshape Nigeria's governance, with El-Rufai positioning himself as a vocal critic of the current administration. As the 2027 elections approach, such declarations are likely to influence public discourse and opposition strategies, emphasizing the high stakes in Nigerian politics.
