In an interview aired on Trust TV's 30 Minutes, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former governor of Kaduna State, stated that the party will not be zoning its presidential ticket for the upcoming 2027 general elections. El-Rufai addressed several political matters, including the ongoing discussions regarding the Electoral Act amendment presently under consideration by the National Assembly. He also touched on his relationships with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his successor, Governor Uba Sani, and various political topics.
When asked about the ADC's perceived silence during this politically charged season, especially in light of the challenges faced by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), El-Rufai reassured that the party is engaged in significant behind-the-scenes activities aimed at strengthening its grassroots presence. Despite initial concerns about the ADC's readiness, he assured that it is the preferred choice for many Nigerians, as corroborated by recent polls, and emphasized an upcoming membership registration initiative.
El-Rufai acknowledged the ADC's need for more public visibility and communication strategies compared to when the APC was formed, noting the ADC's focus on grassroots mobilization which contrasts with the higher-profile campaigns seen during the APC's inception.
In response to concerns about the ADC's ability to attract and engage voters, he described ongoing efforts to organize at the ward level while planning for an inclusive primaries process that will encourage all aspirants to freely contest without enforced consensus or zoning.
He firmly denied any intent to incite violence against elected officials, stating that the ADC is focused on fostering informed civic engagement and questioning the effectiveness of politicians in serving their constituencies.
El-Rufai expressed his belief that many governors who have defected to the ruling party are making strategic errors, arguing that true power comes from the electorate and stressing the importance of accountability in governance.
As for his relationship with President Tinubu, El-Rufai clarified that they were never close, outlining that his support for Tinubu stemmed from a commitment to party loyalty rather than personal affinity. He noted a clear philosophical divide regarding governance principles between himself and the current administration.
On the issue of political mentorship, he refuted claims of being a godfather to Governor Uba Sani, explaining that he prefers to allow successors to operate independently.
Regarding the pressing issue of electronic transmission of election results, El-Rufai lamented his absence during a recent protest advocating for reforms in this area. He stressed the crucial nature of real-time result transmission for democratic integrity and expressed confidence in the National Assembly’s ability to ultimately uphold this need, despite doubts surrounding political motives.
El-Rufai remained optimistic about the ADC's future and emphasized their commitment to ethical governance that prioritizes the public good, urging for renewed trust among the electorate as they move toward the 2027 elections.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!