El-Rufai Is Gone”: Former Kaduna Governor Makes Cryptic Prophecy About 2027 Election
Published: August 8, 2025
KADUNA, Nigeria — A statement made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has sparked widespread speculation and political debate after he made a cryptic comment suggesting a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a closed-door political gathering in Abuja, El-Rufai reportedly declared, “El-Rufai is gone. What’s coming next will shock this nation.” The remark, though brief, has been interpreted by political observers and party insiders as a sign that the former governor may be stepping away from frontline politics — or perhaps, preparing for a comeback in a different form.
The phrase “El-Rufai is gone” has generated confusion across social and political circles. While some interpret it as a farewell from partisan politics, others believe it could signal the emergence of a new political movement, candidate, or ideology — potentially one El-Rufai is backing or orchestrating behind the scenes.
A political ally, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “He [El-Rufai] may not be running for office himself, but don’t assume he’s out of the game. He’s a strategic mind and has influence far beyond Kaduna.
El-Rufai’s comment comes at a time of growing uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections. With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to seek re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), internal party divisions and regional power tussles have already begun to unfold.
El-Rufai, who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Obasanjo and completed two terms as Governor of Kaduna State, remains a polarizing figure. Known for his bold reforms and controversial statements, he has consistently positioned himself as a key influencer within the northern political bloc.
Reactions to El-Rufai’s cryptic message have been swift:
- Aisha Yesufu, co-convener of the #EndSARS movement, said on X (formerly Twitter), “We don’t need cryptic prophecies from the past. We need clarity and new leadership that serves the people, not hidden agendas.”
- Senator Shehu Sani, El-Rufai’s longtime critic and former lawmaker from Kaduna Central, tweeted: “El-Rufai says he’s gone? May Nigeria be safe from what comes next.”
- Within the APC, some members view the statement as an early political maneuver. A party official told Daily Trust: “Whether it’s a coded endorsement or withdrawal, the party will need to take it seriously — especially with rising tensions in the North-West.”
El-Rufai is no stranger to strategic messaging and sudden moves. In 2023, he turned down a ministerial appointment in Tinubu’s cabinet, citing personal reasons — a decision many saw as politically calculated. He has since maintained a low public profile, though sources say he has been active in policy circles and think tanks.
Analysts believe his latest statement could be a calculated attempt to shape the narrative ahead of 2027, where the opposition is expected to regroup and several northern figures may challenge the APC’s dominance.
Political analysts are now weighing several possibilities:
- El-Rufai could be supporting a younger northern candidate as part of a generational shift strategy.
- He may be aligning with a new or existing third force coalition seeking to dislodge both APC and PDP.
- Or, despite his words, he may be preparing for a more significant national role, possibly outside elected office.
As Nigeria inches toward another critical election cycle, Nasir El-Rufai’s cryptic prophecy has stirred speculation and intensified the conversation about what lies ahead in 2027. Whether it signals an end, a beginning, or a rebirth of a political brand — remains to be seen.
For now, Nigerians are left to decode the meaning behind the words: “El-Rufai is gone
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