The 2027 Presidential Election is generating significant interest, and opinions are varied. Some individuals believe that President Bola Tinubu’s chances of reelection are slim, citing various factors such as economic challenges, security concerns, and shifting political dynamics.
Others argue that the political landscape is unpredictable, and various factors, including policy decisions, campaign strategies, and voter sentiment, will influence the outcome. The electorate’s perception of the current administration’s social political, economic and general performance as well as the appeal of the opposition candidates will also play a crucial roles.
Former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El – Rufai is one of such men , known for bearing his mind any day even rightly or wrongly. El-Rufai has expressed his strong reservations about the state of the Nation, as it relates to the Nigerian economy and the reelection chances of President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai openly dismiss the chances of President Tinubu securing a second term insisting that the political climate and public sentiment have shifted significantly against the President and the ruling party APC.
”El – Rufai remarked that, Anybody Who Thinks That Tinubu Would Get Reelected In 2027 Is living In Another Country Not Nigeria.”
He linked this change to the mounting dissatisfaction among citizens and government performance. El – Rufai who played a notable role in rise of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) said that the political dynamics that once favoured the party no longer exist, pointing to a national mood that he believes leans towards change. While interacting with the Media, El – Rufai pointed out that although the APC is experiencing an influx of defectors, this development is not necessarily a sign if political strength or renewed public support.
Instead, he argued that many of those joining the APC are doing so for personal benefits, including the pursuit of contracts and appointments.
He emphasized these movements are not rooted in genuine support for the party’s ideology or leadership. According to him, such political maneuvering might create a false sense of security within the party leadership, but in reality, the general populace remains dissatisfied.
He used his personal experience as the governor of Kaduna state, recalling how the APC suffered electoral setbacks even when it controlled the state machinery.
He noted that this development demonstrated the determination of the Nigerian voter to make a popular choice and informed decision between facts and fiction.
The Nigerian political environment is known for it’s fluidity, making it challenging to predict election outcomes with certainty. The next election will likely be shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including economic conditions, security and the political landscape. These and many other skepticisms are what others have expressed as the build up to the general elections approaches.
Nasir El – who recently decamped to Social Democratic Party ( SDP ) from the All Progressives Congress APC , has made efforts to form alliance with some top leaders and members of some political parties , including, Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the People Democratic Party ( PDP ), Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour Party at the 2023 presidential election, to wrestle power from Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress APC, in the forthcoming 2027 presidential elections, the man who defeated both Atiku and Obi in the general elections of 2023 .
El – Rufai had labelled the administration of Bola Tinubu of losing focus and direction, which according to him, is one of the reasons for the level of poverty and underdevelopment in Nigeria today.
However, some political analysts and stakeholders believes El – Rufai’s position is driven by political vendetta, while others say the general shift in dynamics of Nigerian politics, where alliances, influence, and power structures are becoming increasingly sophisticated, could be responsible.
As the 2027 general elections approaches, voices like El – Rufai and others are likely to grow louder setting the stage/ atmosphere for a very stiff contest .
But the question is, Is El – Rufai one of those fighting for personal, material and political benefits or fighting for the overall good of the Nigerian Masses?
Abubakar Egbeweli Reporting for Techlife Media and Communications Ltd
