El-Rufai Declares Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid “Impossible” Amid Economic Woes

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made a scathing prediction about the political future of President Bola Tinubu, declaring it “impossible” for the Nigerian leader to win re-election in 2027. Speaking in a recently circulated interview on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) national updates platform, El-Rufai dismissed any prospects of Tinubu retaining his seat, citing widespread public dissatisfaction and Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

This bold statement arrives just days after the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Assembly expressed unwavering support for Tinubu. Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured party members and Nigerians that Tinubu would be the sole candidate of the APC for the 2027 election, a sentiment echoed by several APC governors during a summit in Abuja. The party even passed a vote of confidence in the president, showcasing a united front in backing his leadership.

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But El-Rufai, known for his blunt political commentary and insider perspective on Nigeria’s governance landscape, sharply disagreed. In the viral clip, the former governor questioned the logic behind assuming Tinubu has a realistic path to re-election, pointing to the stark disconnect between political elites and the average Nigerian citizen. “Anybody that thinks it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria,” he said. “It is impossible for Bola Tinubu to get re-elected. I don’t see a pathway for him, no matter how disorganised the opposition is. Who will vote for him?”

El-Rufai’s remarks resonate with growing frustrations across the country as Nigerians grapple with soaring inflation, worsening insecurity, and a cost-of-living crisis. While the APC government continues to defend its economic policies, many citizens argue that conditions have deteriorated under Tinubu’s watch, especially following the controversial fuel subsidy removal and a rapid depreciation of the naira.

Despite Tinubu’s efforts to present economic reforms as necessary long-term adjustments, public patience appears to be thinning. Critics argue that the reforms lack corresponding social safety nets and that the government’s communication has failed to reassure citizens. In this context, El-Rufai’s assertion reflects sentiments commonly heard in markets, workplaces, and homes across Nigeria.

The former governor’s critique also underscores a deeper political tension within the ruling party. Though El-Rufai remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, his comments suggest internal cracks and a divergence of views among APC heavyweights regarding the president’s leadership and electoral viability. By asserting that not even a fragmented opposition could provide Tinubu with a winning edge, El-Rufai is highlighting a more profound legitimacy crisis — one that cannot be solved through political endorsements or staged rallies.

Interestingly, El-Rufai’s comments come at a time when opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, are battling internal challenges of their own. Nevertheless, he remains confident that even in a disorganized state, these opposition factions stand a better chance than the incumbent administration in the next electoral cycle. “It’s not about the opposition; it’s about the people,” he implied, suggesting that the electorate’s disillusionment will outweigh any perceived weaknesses among opposition parties.

While APC leaders continue to rally around Tinubu, El-Rufai’s prediction casts a long shadow over the president’s 2027 ambitions. It serves as a stark reminder that popular support is not guaranteed by party machinery alone — especially in a democracy where economic realities often determine electoral outcomes.

Political analysts have begun to weigh in on El-Rufai’s remarks, with some agreeing that public dissatisfaction could translate into a political shake-up if conditions do not improve. Others argue that three years remain before the next election, giving the Tinubu administration ample time to recover public trust through tangible policy successes.

However, the tone and timing of El-Rufai’s statement are likely to fuel debates within the APC and among political stakeholders nationwide. As Nigeria heads into a politically charged period leading up to 2027, one thing is clear: public opinion will be the ultimate decider, and voices like El-Rufai’s are signaling early warnings of a turbulent electoral season ahead.