Governors, president don’t decide election outcomes – El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has asserted that neither state governors nor the president has the power to determine the outcome of elections in Nigeria.

He made this statement while dismissing the growing wave of political defections and elite endorsements, noting that real power lies with the voters.

El-Rufai, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), criticised the media and political class for overemphasising political alliances and defections.

He explained that political manoeuvring should not be the focus, especially when the country is grappling with critical economic and social challenges.

He clarified that his support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections was not based on personal loyalty but a collective decision by APC leaders in Kaduna State to support a Southern candidate.

He added that he had no personal relationship with Tinubu and simply followed the party consensus at the time.

On the possibility of supporting Tinubu in the 2027 elections, El-Rufai said he was unsure and that his future political moves would depend on consultations and how the political climate evolves.

He reiterated that his recent political decisions were not driven by personal ambition but by principle and the need to serve the public better.

El-Rufai’s statements come at a time when Nigeria is witnessing significant political realignments ahead of the next general election.

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cc: Daily Post Ng