El-Rufai’s visit to Aregbesola, Bakare spark speculation on 2027 elections

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has once again set the political landscape abuzz after he visited the ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and prominent cleric and politician, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in Lagos on Sunday.

The images from these meetings spread like wildfire across social media, drawing curiosity and sparking intense speculation.

Though the details of their discussions remain under wraps, the timing and context have left many wondering if this is part of El-Rufai’s strategic maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It’s no secret that El-Rufai has grown increasingly vocal in his criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.

His frustration became evident after his nomination for a ministerial position was rejected by the National Assembly; a rejection he blames squarely on Tinubu’s influence.

Aregbesola, once a close ally of the President, recently parted ways with the APC in Osun State, while Bakare, who lost the party’s presidential primary ticket to Tinubu, has also been openly critical of the current administration.

El-Rufai’s growing association with figures outside the APC fold hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s been seen in the company of opposition politicians, including Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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The Lagos visit, disclosed by El-Rufai’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, on his X handle on Sunday, comes just days after the former governor met with former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna. This move will only fuels further speculation about his political future.

“El-Rufai’s meeting with Aregbesola and Bakare raises questions about his next steps,” said a political analyst who requested anonymity. “He’s clearly aligning himself with voices disenchanted with the current state of the APC. Whether this signals a defection or the formation of a new political alliance remains to be seen.”

But while the political class remains intrigued, the APC leadership appears unconcerned at least publicly.

“Anybody who wants to worry about his movements is free,” said the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru. “We have more serious work to do than to comment on anybody roaming around.”

Nze Chidi Duru, the APC’s National Deputy Organising Secretary, echoed this sentiment. “There is freedom of association, and it’s good that he’s exercising it. We shouldn’t read too much into every visit. If it eventually leads to something significant, we’ll address it then.”

Yet, despite these attempts to downplay the situation, El-Rufai’s actions continue to send ripples through Nigeria’s political waters.

In a recent interview with Arise Television, the former governor hinted at his dissatisfaction with the APC, suggesting the party had already abandoned him. When asked if he’d support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, his response was telling: “I’m not even sure I’ll still be in the APC by then.”

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