By Chigozie Igbo
The interview granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, yesterday by ARISE News has stirred fresh political debate, raising questions about strategy, timing, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape ahead of 2027.
In a wide-ranging appearance, El-Rufai made pointed allegations and strong political assertions that many observers interpret as calculated moves in a growing contest between key northern political figures and the ruling establishment.
El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria after more than three months abroad,during which he publicly acknowledged visits to Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, was preceded by claims that attempts were being made to arrest him.
Political analysts say the timing of his return, followed immediately by high-profile media engagements, suggests a carefully planned re-entry into the national political conversation. By speaking first, they argue, he framed the narrative before any potential legal or security developments could unfold.
His airport arrival without incident further fueled speculation that authorities may have reassessed their options amid heightened public scrutiny.
During the interview, El-Rufai revisited sensitive national issues, including the unresolved case of Dadiyata, and made remarks touching on high-ranking security officials and political actors. He also referenced political rivalries in Kano and alluded to past internal tensions within the ruling party.
Observers note that such statements coming close to an election cycle could compel political opponents to respond, thereby shifting attention and resources away from grassroots mobilisation.
The interview also touched on intra-party dynamics and broader opposition alignments. El-Rufai suggested that political realignments in the North and beyond are underway, subtly reinforcing the perception of a fragmented ruling coalition.
One of the central questions emerging from the interview is whether any move to detain or prosecute El-Rufai would escalate into a larger political crisis.
Political commentators argue that detaining a figure of his stature could attract international attention and potentially strengthen opposition narratives about democratic space and political tolerance. Others counter that the government is unlikely to act without careful calculation, weighing both domestic and global repercussions.
Either way, El-Rufai’s media offensive appears to have achieved one immediate outcome: it has repositioned him at the centre of national discourse.
El-Rufai’s comments come at a time when several influential politicians among them Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola,Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba are perceived to be charting paths outside the ruling party’s core structure.
While these figures are not formally united under a single platform, their shared distance from the centre of power has sparked speculation about potential alliances or coordinated resistance ahead of the next general election.
For now, El-Rufai remains free and politically vocal. Whether his remarks lead to legal consequences, further interviews, or broader opposition consolidation remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that his ARISE TV appearance has injected fresh momentum into national political discourse. In a political climate defined by shifting loyalties and strategic repositioning, every public statement carries weight.
As Nigeria inches toward 2027, the battle for narrative control and ultimately electoral advantage appears to have entered a new phase.