El-Rufai Urges Action Against Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, addressed Atiku Abubakar, emphasizing the need to prevent President Bola Tinubu from continuing in office beyond the 2027 general elections. El-Rufai made these remarks during a visit to the former president's residence on Thursday, following an alleged attempt by security agencies to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival from Cairo on February 12.

He described the incident as unfortunate and unnecessary, asserting that it reinforced his determination to work towards removing what he termed a "tyrant" from office by March 2027. El-Rufai's legal team, represented by lawyer Ubong Esop Akpan, condemned the alleged actions of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), claiming they approached him without an arrest warrant or formal invitation.

El-Rufai indicated that he would honor an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2025, and he criticized the loyalty of attendees at the book launch for Muhammadu Buhari's biography, suggesting that Nigerians should reconsider their support for former leaders.