Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has voiced support for the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, saying he would retain his ministerial position should the emerging political coalition succeed in unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
El-Rufai made the remark on Wednesday at the second edition of Arewa Tech Fest held in Katsina, a three-day technology summit he convened to spotlight innovation, startups, and investment opportunities in northern Nigeria. The event attracted tech professionals, policy makers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Tijani, who delivered the keynote address, received high praise from the former governor for his work in driving Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
“If we succeed in sending President Tinubu back to Lagos in 2027, we will still keep Bosun Tijani because he is doing good work,” El-Rufai said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
El-Rufai who arrived late to the festival’s session offered a candid explanation for his delay, citing his participation in a late-night coalition meeting aimed at building momentum toward a 2027 presidential challenge.
“There was a very important meeting of the coalition we’re putting together to ensure that President Tinubu goes back to Lagos,” he told the audience. “I couldn’t join the team that came yesterday because the meeting held at 8 p.m. and Katsina airport doesn’t operate after that.”
The comment reflects El-Rufai’s growing political alignment with opposition forces. In March, the outspoken politician formally left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), fuelling speculation about his potential role in a broad opposition coalition.
El-Rufai’s public endorsement of Tijani, despite now being in political opposition, highlighted a rare moment of bipartisan commendation in an increasingly polarized landscape.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
British woman, unborn baby die in Nigeria; family seeks help to bring bodies home
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas A 40-year-old British woman who relocated to Nigeria to start a new life with her husband has died alongside her unborn baby after developing sepsis. Claire Chadwick, who was 37 weeks pregnant, reportedly suffered septic shock after her baby girl died in the womb. In a report by Daily Mail UK, Chadwick…
-
Fani-Kayode, Seyi Tinubu, three others receive senior counsel rank
Seyi Tinubu
-
2027: Atiku, Peter Obi have nothing to offer Nigerians — Wike
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Wike said Obi lacked the capacity to provide alternative leadership, while Atiku failed to make meaningful contributions when he had the opportunity to serve in government. He made the remarks on Thursday during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt, where he expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s political strength ahead of…
