Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has stated that the newly formed opposition coalition can unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections without relying on the support of state governors.
Speaking during a media chat in Kano, El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said the coalition’s focus is on grassroots mobilisation, not elite political alliances.
“A governor has only one vote. Nigerians have millions,” El-Rufai said. “We are building a true alternative powered by the people, not the political class.”
His remarks follow the PDP Governors’ Forum’s rejection of any coalition or merger talks, despite speculation after Atiku Abubakar and other top figures visited former President Muhammadu Buhari alongside El-Rufai.
The PDP leadership, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, emphasized its commitment to party reform, distancing itself from coalition plans. In a statement following a meeting in Ibadan, the forum declared:
“We are not merging with anyone. We are rebuilding the PDP from within.”
Adding to the controversy, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom pledged support for Tinubu’s eight-year tenure during a federal project launch, followed by high-profile defections to the APC by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Vice President Ifeanyi Okowa.
El-Rufai Dismisses Importance of Governors in 2027 Race
El-Rufai downplayed these defections, asserting that power ultimately lies with the electorate, not political elites.
“Even in Lagos, President Tinubu had a sitting governor and still lost. The real power lies with the people.”
Citing his own experience in Kaduna, El-Rufai admitted failing to deliver Tinubu’s win in 2023 despite efforts, calling it a lesson in the limits of political influence.
“I was a sitting governor, and I still lost. That taught me that only voters determine elections, not politicians,” he said.
SDP Coalition Aims for Nationwide Appeal
El-Rufai stressed the coalition is not prioritizing regionalism or identity politics. “It’s no longer about North or South. We are in a national crisis. Nigerians need leaders with real solutions — wherever they come from.”
He revealed that while some 2027 presidential hopefuls have shown interest, the focus remains on building the coalition first:
“We’ve told those with presidential ambitions to set them aside. This is about building a platform that gives Nigerians a credible choice.”
No Merger With PDP – El-Rufai
Addressing reports of a possible PDP-SDP merger, El-Rufai was firm:
“We never planned to merge with the PDP. That party is a spent force, riddled with internal crises. We’re offering a fresh start.”
He said the SDP was chosen as the coalition’s base due to its survival prospects amid INEC’s deregistration powers:
“We assessed all parties and found SDP most viable — it has historical roots, but it still needs rebuilding.”
Internal Democracy at the Core of New Movement
El-Rufai emphasized the coalition’s commitment to internal democracy, rejecting the dominance of political godfathers:
“One reason APC failed is that it became controlled by a few individuals. We want a party that no one owns — where every member has a voice.”
The coalition, he explained, is focused on organizing at the grassroots level — from polling units to national leadership — and will prioritize transparency, inclusion, and voter engagement.
