El-Rufai calls for North, South-South alliance ahead of 2027

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has urged the North to rekindle its political partnership with the South-South region.

El-Rufai added that a strategic alliance is necessary to “save Nigeria.”

El-Rufai made the remarks on Friday while visiting the family of the late elder statesman and Niger Delta advocate, Edwin Clark, who passed away on February 17.

He noted the historical bond between the North and the South-South, urging a return to that collaboration.

“In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the North’s traditional political partners were from the South-South. Let us not forget that. Let us go back to that. Let us save this country because it really requires saving. We need a rescue operation,” El-Rufai said.

His statement comes amid growing discussions about coalition-building ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition politicians reportedly holding strategic meetings.

During the visit, El-Rufai accompanied former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he praised for his role in spearheading economic reforms under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2007.

El-Rufai has been meeting with opposition figures in recent weeks, fueling speculation about his political future.