Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that he and other political figures were aware of the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University before supporting his 2023 presidential bid.
El-Rufai made this disclosure during an interview with the BBC, stating that despite the concerns, he and others backed Tinubu, believing he could replicate the developmental strides he achieved as Lagos State governor.
Reflecting on the decision to support Tinubu, El-Rufai explained that their primary focus was on his capacity to deliver results rather than past controversies.
“We were all aware of the Chicago issue, but we believed if he could govern Nigeria the way he transformed Lagos, it would be in the country’s best interest, so we supported him,” he said.
El-Rufai’s comments come shortly after he announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and his move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10, 2025.
His exit follows growing dissatisfaction with the APC’s leadership and governance style.
El-Rufai seeks political alliance for 2027
Since joining the SDP, the former governor has been actively engaging political figures across party lines, urging them to align ahead of the 2027 elections.
He has held discussions with Pastor Tunde Bakare and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola, both of whom were previously close allies of Tinubu.
El-Rufai has also extended invitations to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to join the SDP in what appears to be a broader political realignment ahead of the next election cycle.
El-Rufai speaks on 2027 Presidential Ambition Speculations
Amid growing speculation that he is positioning himself for a presidential bid in 2027, El-Rufai dismissed the notion that his defection to the SDP was a calculated move for personal ambition.
He stated that the decision on who contests in the next election would ultimately be made by the party and the electorate.
“It is not my decision to make. The party and the people will determine who should run. Even when I contested for governor, it was people who convinced Buhari, and he called on me to run,” El-Rufai stated.
His latest political manoeuvres signal a potential shift in Nigeria’s political landscape as opposition figures explore strategies to challenge the APC’s dominance in the next general elections.
SDP youth group rejects El-Rufai’s defection
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a significant rift has emerged within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its youth coalition vehemently rejects the recent defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition accuses El-Rufai of attempting to hijack the party for his personal political agenda.
