In what could become a turning point in Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed the formation of a powerful opposition alliance aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general elections.
Speaking in Abuja following a high-level strategy meeting on Tuesday, El-Rufai didn’t mince words: “Our mission is to ensure President Tinubu returns to Lagos.” The statement underscores the coalition’s determination to shake up the status quo and mount a strong challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Interestingly, El-Rufai hinted that the opposition does not intend to overhaul the government entirely. He singled out Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, for praise, describing him as “a competent hand doing a great job” who deserves continuity in office should the coalition succeed.
Sources close to the meeting revealed that El-Rufai, alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have reached a consensus to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the official platform for their united front. The agreement reportedly came after a late-night strategy session that stretched into the early hours of Wednesday.
Confirming the development at the Arewa TechFest in Katsina, El-Rufai reiterated the coalition’s goal while expressing optimism about the alliance’s growing momentum. “We met last night at 8 PM and had a crucial discussion on the future of this country,” he said. “We’re building a coalition to take Nigeria in a new direction—and yes, we will still keep Bosun Tijani in the cabinet.”
With political temperatures rising, all eyes are now on how this emerging alliance will reshape Nigeria’s power dynamics in the months ahead.
