El-Rufai Moves to Forge Opposition Alliance with Katsina PDP and SDP Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Kaduna State Governor and Social Democratic Party (SDP) national leader, Nasir El-Rufai, has intensified efforts to build a formidable opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections by engaging key leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and SDP in Katsina State. In a discreet meeting held recently in Katsina, El-Rufai met with prominent PDP figures, including Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, alongside influential SDP members. Although the specifics of the discussions remain under wraps, insiders reveal that the talks centered on forming a strategic alliance aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and unseating President Bola Tinubu.This political initiative follows El-Rufai’s defection from the APC in March 2025, citing ideological differences and dissatisfaction with the party’s direction. During his visit to Katsina, El-Rufai also paid a condolence call to Governor Dikko Radda over the passing of his mother, accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, a key player in the opposition coalition efforts. The meeting signals El-Rufai’s determination to bridge divides across party lines and create a united front capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.The timing of this engagement is particularly noteworthy, coming just a day after PDP governors publicly dismissed the idea of a formal coalition ahead of 2027, insisting that the PDP would rather absorb individuals or groups willing to join the party than merge with others. This stance highlights ongoing tensions within opposition ranks, with figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and El-Rufai advocating for a coalition as the most effective strategy to wrest power from the APC.Political analysts see El-Rufai’s outreach in Katsina as a crucial step toward consolidating opposition forces, especially in the North-West region, potentially setting the stage for a powerful alliance. While the PDP Governors’ Forum remains cautious, coalition leaders continue to push for broader consultations and realignments, confident that momentum for opposition unity will build as the 2027 elections draw nearer.As the political landscape evolves, all eyes remain on these unfolding dynamics, which could significantly influence Nigeria’s electoral future. Further developments are anticipated as coalition talks advance and more stakeholders weigh in on the direction of opposition politics in the country.