El-Rufai Meets Aregbesola, Bakare as Former Governor Deepens Political Consultations

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, held separate meetings on Sunday with former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and prominent cleric, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in Lagos. The meetings, which were revealed through photographs shared on social media, have fueled fresh conversations about El-Rufai’s political future and possible alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While details of the discussions were not made public, political observers believe the meetings are part of El-Rufai’s strategic consultations, especially given his recent criticisms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu. His visit to Lagos comes just days after he met with former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, further intensifying speculation about his next political move.

El-Rufai’s Growing Rift with the APC and Tinubu

El-Rufai, a key figure in the APC, has increasingly distanced himself from the ruling party, openly expressing dissatisfaction with its leadership. His fallout with President Tinubu became evident after he was dropped from the ministerial list, a decision he blamed on the president and the National Assembly. During a recent interview with Arise Television, El-Rufai hinted at possibly leaving the APC, stating that the party had abandoned him.

His refusal to confirm whether he would support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 further deepened concerns about his loyalty to the ruling party. Instead, he suggested that he might not even be in the APC by then, signaling a potential realignment with other political forces. The Kaduna politician has also been seen interacting with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

Aregbesola’s Exit from APC and Its Implications

El-Rufai’s meeting with Rauf Aregbesola holds particular significance, as the former Osun State governor recently severed ties with the APC. Aregbesola, once a close ally of Tinubu, led his supporters in Osun State out of the ruling party, citing internal grievances and dissatisfaction with the leadership.

Political analysts view this as an indication that El-Rufai might be exploring new political alliances with other disenchanted APC members. The former Kaduna governor’s alignment with Aregbesola, who is now regarded as a strong critic of the Tinubu administration, could signal a larger movement of political heavyweights forming an alternative power bloc ahead of 2027.

Pastor Tunde Bakare: Political Influence and Anti-Tinubu Stance

El-Rufai’s visit to Pastor Tunde Bakare, a respected cleric and former APC presidential aspirant, also adds another layer to the unfolding political drama. Bakare contested against Tinubu in the APC primaries but lost and has since been vocal in his criticism of the current administration.

His influence, particularly among religious and political circles, could be instrumental in any potential political coalition El-Rufai is considering. While details of their discussions remain unknown, the meeting is seen as part of El-Rufai’s broader strategy to consolidate support across different sectors, including religious and political spheres.

APC’s Response: Dismissing the Political Significance of the Meetings

Despite the growing speculations, the APC leadership appears unbothered by El-Rufai’s movements. The party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, initially declined to comment but later dismissed the visits as insignificant.

“We don’t have any comment. Anybody who wants to worry about his movements is free. So far he is a Nigerian, El-Rufai is free to visit anybody he likes,” Basiru stated, downplaying concerns over the former governor’s political maneuvers.

Similarly, the APC National Deputy Organizing Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, emphasized that El-Rufai had the freedom to associate with whoever he wanted. He urged party members not to attach political significance to every meeting.

However, some APC stakeholders believe El-Rufai’s recent engagements indicate a deeper political strategy that could shape the party’s future dynamics. As the 2027 elections approach, his actions and alliances will continue to attract attention, with many waiting to see whether he remains in the APC or charts a new political course.