By Emamuzo Iboma
This week, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, sent a sharp warning about the country’s dire situation, upending Nigeria’s political landscape. In an exclusive interview with the media and while on a visit to Kano, El-Rufai expressed his profound worries that Nigeria is on the verge of an existential crisis and that, should the country’s present security and economic problems continue, its future would be in jeopardy.
A Wake-Up Call from a Veteran Politician
El-Rufai, who has lived for 65 years, said that he has never seen Nigeria’s deteriorating situation before. “Nigeria is in an existential crisis,” he emphasized. “If this crisis continues, we risk collapse.” His words resonated with urgency, reflecting a sense of alarm that many Nigerians share amid escalating insecurity, economic instability, and political disillusionment.
El-Rufai did not shy away from critiquing the roots of Nigeria’s political malaise. He identified two significant obstacles to the advancement of the country: the widespread practice of godfatherism and the absence of internal democracy in political parties. He bemoaned, “The dominance of godfatherism and the lack of internal democracy are what have destroyed political parties in Nigeria.” “We want the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to get rid of that.”
Building a New Political Alternative
The former governor is currently concentrating on the SDP, which he recently joined with the intention of developing a political platform that is genuinely independent and democratic. El-Rufai claims that the SDP will not be subject to the influence of private interests, in contrast to the two major parties, the APC and the PDP. He declared, “No one will own our party.” “There will be no godfatherism or impositions, and all candidates will have an equal opportunity to succeed.”
When El-Rufai visited Kano, a crucial electoral state, he emphasized the value of grassroots support. “Kano has the highest voter turnout in Nigeria, and any serious politician must pay attention here,” he noted. He reiterated his commitment to helping the SDP build from the ground up, emphasizing that party formation is merely the first step in a long process requiring dedication, resources, and grassroots engagement.
Strategic Coalition and the Quest for Unity
El-Rufai disclosed continuous attempts to create a wide-ranging opposition alliance with the goal of overthrowing the current administration. He clarified, “We are bringing opposition groups under one umbrella, not merging parties.” “This includes members ousted from PDP, sidelined APC members, and smaller parties that performed poorly in recent elections.”
He explained that party building, not candidate selection, is the current focus. “We are at the stage of recruiting committed members who are ready to work for Nigeria’s future,” he said. “Discussions about presidential candidates will come later, once we have a credible and united party.”
A National Movement, Not Just Northern Politics
El-Rufai maintains that the SDP is not a northern-centric movement, despite the fact that social media and public discourse frequently depict it as such. “This is a national movement. From the East to the South of Nigeria, I will be interacting with leaders and prospective members,” he promised. “Our movement is about rebuilding Nigeria, not about dominating the region.”
Addressing Nigeria’s Critical Challenges
El-Rufai underlined that addressing Nigeria’s urgent problems—economic instability, social unrest, and insecurity—is his top priority right now. “We will soon release a blueprint with specific solutions and timelines,” he promised. “Our focus is on practical steps to address exchange rate volatility, food security, banditry, Boko Haram, and insurgency.”
Reflections on Timing and Past Engagements
When asked why he is now actively participating in politics, El-Rufai considered his longstanding dedication to Nigeria’s advancement. “I have always spoken out when I saw Nigeria heading in the wrong direction,” he said. “My letter to President Buhari in 2016 was a warning. It’s not about opposition for opposition’s sake; it’s about national interest.”
In response to inquiries concerning his recent departure from the APC, he said that his decision was motivated by a desire to better serve Nigeria rather than by personal ambition. “I informed President Buhari of my decision out of respect. At my age, I have the independence to chart my own path.”
A Call for Genuine Leadership
Regardless of their political or regional affiliations, El-Rufai’s message is clear: Nigeria needs leaders who can actually solve its problems. He said, “A leader who can handle the fundamental existential issues—security, economy, and social cohesion—is what Nigeria needs now.” “I support any candidate who can deliver that, regardless of where they come from.”
Voices like El-Rufai’s are a sobering reminder of the need for significant change as Nigeria navigates these trying times. A possible change in Nigeria’s political paradigm—a move away from the divisive politics of godfatherism and toward greater internal democracy—is indicated by the former governor of Kaduna’s call for a new, democratic, and issue-focused political movement.
It is unclear if his efforts will result in a viable alternative, but one thing is certain: Nigeria’s future rests on the decisions made by its leaders and people today.
