Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has emphasized the need for a renewed political alliance between northern Nigeria and the south-south region to help steer the country towards stability and progress.
During a condolence visit on Friday to the family of the late Edwin Clark, a revered elder statesman and Niger Delta leader who passed away on February 17, El-Rufai emphasized the historical political collaboration between the regions.
“In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the north’s traditional political partners were from the south-south. We should revive that relationship to save Nigeria because the country is in need of a rescue mission,” he stated.
The former Kaduna governor,vwho was with ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar during the condolence visit, praised Abubakar’s contributions to economic reforms during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration from 1999 to 2007.
In recent weeks, the former governor has met with key opposition figures, including Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former aide to Sani Abacha, and Shehu Gabam, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
These meetings, described by political insiders like Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign, are believed to be strategic discussions leading up to 2027.
Speculation around El-Rufai’s political future has intensified, especially following his remarks last month about his growing distance from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
