El-Rufai Admits Awareness of Tin
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has revealed that political leaders were aware of the controversies surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University prior to the 2023 presidential election. Despite these concerns, they supported Tinubu, hoping he would replicate his Lagos governance successes on a national scale.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s presidency, stating that the administration failed to meet expectations. He remarked, “What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges. We all knew about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.”
El-Rufai also called for a political realignment, urging opposition leaders—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola—to join forces under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. He stated, “What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP.”
Addressing allegations of betraying Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai defended his political choices, emphasizing that his decisions were based on performance rather than personal loyalty. He remarked, “I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. If I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him.”
El-Rufai’s recent defection to the SDP has sparked discussions about potential political shifts ahead of the 2027 elections. Speculation suggests that other prominent figures, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, are considering joining the SDP. 
These developments highlight a period of significant political realignment in Nigeria, with key figures reassessing their positions in anticipation of future electoral contests.
