Mallam Nasir El-Rufai rules out 2027 presidential race, citing the South’s turn, and announces plans to contest in 2031
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term Governor of Kaduna State, has formally ruled himself out of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, citing the rotation of power to the South.
Also read: El-Rufai Joins ADC to Challenge APC in Kaduna
In the tweet, El-Rufai said, “I refused to contest in 2027 because it is the turn of the South. You will see me in action come 2031.”
The statement has garnered widespread attention, recording over 57,000 views as of Saturday night.
El-Rufai’s declaration comes amid ongoing discussions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding zoning arrangements, though the party has indicated that zoning is not currently a priority.
The ADC currently has three declared presidential aspirants: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the North, and former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former APC aspirant Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, both from the South.
Social media users responded positively to El-Rufai’s decision, praising his adherence to informal agreements and calling it a demonstration of political discipline
Also read: Kaduna Gives El-Rufai One Week to Prove Bandit Claim
By stepping aside, El-Rufai has signalled respect for regional rotation principles and positioned himself for a potential 2031 bid, leaving the ADC field open for Southern aspirants in 2027.
