Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai held a strategic meeting on Tuesday with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Katsina State, sparking fresh speculation about a possible coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The closed-door meeting, held at a private location in Katsina, brought together El-Rufai now a prominent figure within the SDP former Secretary to the Katsina State Government Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, and other key political stakeholders.
While details of the discussions remain under wraps, insiders suggest the talks centered on forming a united opposition front to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election campaign.
The meeting comes just a day after PDP governors publicly ruled out any plans to join a coalition, signaling internal divisions within the opposition. Still, El-Rufai’s outreach to Katsina’s political elite underscores his ongoing efforts to build cross-party alliances.
Earlier on Monday, El-Rufai also visited Governor Dikko Radda to offer condolences following the passing of his mother. He was accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
El-Rufai officially exited the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, 2025, citing deep dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he accused the APC leadership of straying from the principles on which the party was founded.
“As a founding member of the APC, I once believed our values aligned. But recent developments prove otherwise. I can no longer associate with a party that refuses to address its internal decay,” he wrote.
His departure marks a significant political realignment as the road to the 2027 elections begins to take shape.
