Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has sparked speculations in political circles following recent high-profile visits to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and Pastor Tunde Bakare.
The meetings, which occurred in Lagos and Abuja, have triggered widespread discussions regarding El-Rufai’s political future amid perceived realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Atiku revealed that he hosted El-Rufai alongside former Adamawa State Governor, Jibrilla Bindow, for an Iftar meal, signaling a friendly encounter despite past political differences.
Atiku stated:
“After tonight’s Iftar, I met with former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Adamawa Governor Jibrilla Bindow and Musa Halilu, Dujima Adamawa. Our robust discussions were the dessert of the meal.”
Earlier, El-Rufai visited Lagos where he separately met with former Minister Rauf Aregbesola, and renowned clergyman and political figure, Pastor Tunde Bakare.
This was confirmed by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, who shared the update via X, saying:
“Malam Nasir @elrufai was in Lagos today to visit Ogbeni @raufaregbesola and Pastor Tunde Bakare.”
The visit to Aregbesola, a long-time ally of President Bola Tinubu who was recently sanctioned by the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid internal party disputes in Osun State, and to Pastor Bakare, a former presidential aspirant under the APC, has further fueled conversations about possible political realignments.
These meetings come amid growing reports of shifts within Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Notably, rumors emerged recently suggesting Atiku Abubakar planned to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which his media office promptly dismissed as “fallacious.”
In response, Atiku’s media office clarified, stating categorically that he remains a bona fide member of the PDP, emphasizing that Atiku’s current engagements are aimed at fostering unity, dialogue, and inclusive governance across party lines.
Political observers view El-Rufai’s recent interactions as potential groundwork for strategic alliances ahead of future elections, especially given the notable positions of those he visited—Atiku as a leading opposition figure, Aregbesola recently sanctioned by APC, and Bakare, a vocal political influencer.
As these meetings continue to generate interest, observers await indications of possible alignments that could reshape political alliances in Nigeria.
