“What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders— Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola— to join the SDP.”- El-Rufai.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has adamantly denied allegations of having betrayed Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and a notable figure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He expressed his stance in a recent interview, that gained traction over the weekend.
In his discussion, El-Rufai, who recently transitioned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), extended an invitation for unity to other opposition leaders, including Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola.
El-Rufai articulated his discontent with the current government, stating, “What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges.”
His words reflect a widespread sentiment of disappointment among many who had high hopes for the administration.
He continues by acknowledging the controversies surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, “We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him.
However, he failed.” This highlights a persistent belief among citizens that past successes do not always guarantee future performance, particularly in the complex landscape of Nigerian politics.
In clarifying the allegations of betrayal, El-Rufai asserted, “I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work.”
This distinction emphasizes the professional basis of their relationship, rather than a purely political one. He further elaborated, “At work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him.”
His willingness to voice dissent—including taking former President Buhari to court over the naira redesign—illustrates a commitment to accountability that some may view as a principled stand.
Reflecting on the historical tension between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku, El-Rufai remarked that those aligned with Obasanjo believed he was justified in his conflicts with Atiku.
“When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was right,” he noted.
This moment in history reveals the divisions within Nigerian politics that continue to shape alliances and animosities today.
El-Rufai then addressed his current relationship with Atiku, retorting, “It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right. Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him, why are we together now?”
This statement underscores the fluidity of political allegiances, where current camaraderie can redefine past conflicts.
El-Rufai reiterated his desire for unity among opposition leaders. He stated, “What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders— Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola— to join the SDP.”
This call for collaboration reflects a growing recognition among opposition figures of the necessity to consolidate forces in the face of shared challenges in the political arena.
The situation is a critical moment in Nigerian politics, where former rivals may need to band together to effectively challenge the status quo, suggesting that recent political transformations may create new opportunities and alliances.
