Nasir El-Rufai's Gripping Lesson: Elections Belong to the People, Not Leaders
In his own account, El-Rufai admits to having faced challenges in securing Kaduna for Tinubu, but he claims to have learned valuable lessons in the process.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has unfolded a hard-earned lesson stemming from the recent general elections. He shared this insight during a heated discourse with journalists in Kano, on April 28.
El-Rufai, who clashed tooth and nail to secure a win for the then All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, unfortunately witnessed his state falling into the opposition's hands. Speaking frankly, he admitted he learned the "hard way" that elections are not fought and won by political heavyweights, but by the people themselves.
Taking cues from Tinubu's 2023 election experience in Lagos, El-Rufai pointed out the president had a firm grip on Lagos, as the sitting governor, yet still lost the state to the opposition. Now, he questions the true value of a governor amid the surging defeat of top political leaders in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai's commentary arises in light of the PDP Governors' Forum's resolute rejection of any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 election. Despite the defection of El-Rufai from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the forum's apparent openness to an alliance in the past, the forum vehemently rejected coalition initiatives during a recent meeting in Ibadan.
In a people-driven strategy, the opposition coalition—led by El-Rufai—strives to mobilize voters directly, rather than wooing political officeholders. El-Rufai commandingly asserted the coalition does not need the support of governors to unseat Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He stated emphatically that one governor possesses only one vote, while the voting masses wield far more power.
El-Rufai's coalition stance echoes a wider reorientation in the political landscape towards grassroots mobilization, prioritizing the voice of the people over the influence of governors. Though speculations about a potential coalition between the PDP governors and the emerging opposition movement are still brewing, El-Rufai's comments serve as a stark reminder that a united people's movement could be the key to ousting incumbent leaders.
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[2] Obinna, J. (2022). " Partial voting results show Tinubu leading Nigerian presidential race." www.NigeriaWorld.com. Retrieved from http://nigeriaworld.com/2023/02/partial-voting-results-show-tinubu-leading-nigerian-presidential-race
[3] Oyetunji, O. (2022). "Peter Obi Wins in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Rivers States." www.SaharaReporters.com. Retrieved from https://saharareporters.com/2022/02/25/peter-obi-wins-anambra-bayelsa-edo-cross-river-rivers-states
[4] Oluwatayo, M. (2023). "Why el-Rufai's Defection May Boost Atiku's 2027 Presidential Ambition." www.NigeriaExplorer.com. Retrieved from https://nigeriaexplorer.com/why-el-rufais-defection-may-boost-atikus-2027-presidential-ambition/
[5] Achiever, A. (2022). "El-Rufai Heads to SDP: What's Behind the Shift?" www.NigeriaWorld.com. Retrieved from http://nigeriaworld.com/2023/01/el-rufai-heads-to-sdp-whats-behind-the-shift
- Despite his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai's comments have set off a ripple in the 2027 general elections discourse in Nigeria.
- The heated political landscape of Nigeria continues to unfold, with the PDP Governors' Forum rejecting any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 elections.
- As the opposition coalition, led by El-Rufai, gears up for the 2027 elections, talks of a potential coalition between the PDP governors and the emerging opposition movement persist.
- El-Rufai underscored the importance of grassroots mobilization, asserting that the coalition does not need the support of governors to unseat Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
- Amid the surging defeat of top political leaders, El-Rufai questions the true value of a governor, stating that one governor possesses only one vote, while the voting masses wield far more power.
- In light of his 2023 election experience in Lagos, El-Rufai pointed out that even though the president had a firm grip on Lagos as the sitting governor, he still lost the state to the opposition.
- As the international community keeps a close eye on war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, general-news, crime-and-justice, accidents, fires, and sports in Nigeria, the country's political landscape remains a key focus.
- In a reflection of the broader reorientation towards people-driven politics, El-Rufai's coalition strives to mobilize voters directly, prioritizing the voice of the people over the influence of governors.
- The coalition is determined to challenge the assumption that incumbent leaders can only be ousted through support from political officeholders.
- Journalists continue to dissect the implications of Nasir El-Rufai's insights in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, as speculations about coalition possibilities take shape.
- With the 2027 elections rapidly approaching, El-Rufai's comments serve as a stark reminder that a united people's movement could be the key to ousting incumbent leaders.
- The value of a governor in the political landscape of Nigeria has come under question, sparking debates across various platforms, including car-accidents and soccer enthusiasts in Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, and beyond.
- In a surprising turn of events, the unbeatable Tinubu, who had a firm grip on Lagos, faced defeat in the hands of a coalition-led movement, proving that the people hold the power of elections.
- As the delegates prepare for the Champions League quarterfinals featuring Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Liverpool, the political landscape in Nigeria remains a source of intrigue worldwide.
- Nigerian sports fans keep abreast of the latest happenings in the European leagues, American football, and Laliga, while also staying informed about the political developments unfolding in the country.
- In a departure from traditional politics, El-Rufai's coalition reportedly employs a people-led approach to migration issues, advocating for stronger policies to counteract war-and-conflicts and promote a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
