By Muhammad Mamman
Nasir El-Rufai has declined to rule out a possible bid for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, saying political decisions can change rapidly depending on circumstances and party consensus.
Speaking during an interview, the former Kaduna State governor was asked directly whether he would definitively stay out of the next presidential race.
“You never say never in politics; 24 hours is a long time,” El-Rufai said. “Even if I tell you I will not run today, tomorrow it can change — especially if leaders from my party come together and ask me to step in.”
His remarks underscore the fluid nature of succession politics in Nigeria, where alliances and candidacies often evolve quickly ahead of major elections.
El-Rufai, a prominent figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), did not confirm any immediate plans to contest but suggested that a collective party decision could influence his stance.
Political analysts say the comments are likely to fuel early speculation about the 2027 race, even as formal campaigns remain years away. For now, El-Rufai maintains that no option is entirely off the table — reinforcing the uncertainty already surrounding Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
