Why El‑rufai Joined Atiku’s Campaign Council – Insights from Dele Momodu

El‑Rufai Atiku council is the headline that has dominated political talkrooms across Lagos, Abuja and even the diaspora since Dele Momodu, the veteran journalist and ADC chieftain, aired his candid assessment on Naija News. In a candid interview, Momodu described former Kaduna governor Nasir El‑Rufai as a “prisoner of circumstance” who has been coaxed into Atiku Abubakar’s campaign council for the 2027 presidential race. The move, he argues, is less about personal loyalty and more about a calculated realignment of power blocs within Nigeria’s ever‑fluid political landscape.

Background: From Kaduna Governor to Campaign Council Member

El‑Rufai, who served two terms as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023, stepped down after a turbulent tenure marked by infrastructural projects, contentious security policies and a high‑profile clash with the federal government over the 2022 budget. Since leaving office, he has been a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and has hinted at a possible presidential bid. Yet, as Momodu points out, the political terrain in 2026 is not a straight line; it is a maze of regional interests, ethnic calculations and party realignments.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice‑president and perennial presidential hopeful, has been rebuilding his coalition after a disappointing 2023 run. By inviting El‑Rufai onto his campaign council, Atiku signals a willingness to broaden his appeal beyond his traditional strongholds in the South‑West and North‑East, reaching into the North‑West where El‑Rufai retains significant influence.

Momodu’s Analysis: Why El‑Rufai Accepted the Offer

According to Momodu, El‑Rufai’s decision stems from three intertwined factors. First, the former governor feels sidelined by the APC’s internal power struggles, especially after the party’s 2026 national convention where younger aspirants were favoured over seasoned politicians. Second, El‑Rufai sees an opportunity to shape national policy from a position of influence rather than opposition. Finally, Momodu suggests that personal grievances – notably the perceived betrayal by former allies in the APC – have nudged El‑Rufai toward a partnership that offers both redemption and relevance.

Momodu also highlighted El‑Rufai’s own words from a recent interview on a Lagos talk‑show, where he lamented being “kept in a political cage” by his former party. The phrase resonated with many Nigerians who have watched the APC’s internal democracy erode over the past few years.

Strategic Gains for Atiku’s Campaign

For Atiku, the inclusion of El‑Rufai brings several strategic advantages. It signals to the electorate that his campaign is a national project, capable of uniting disparate regional interests. It also provides Atiku with a direct line to Kaduna’s political machinery, which remains a decisive factor in any presidential election given its sizeable delegate count at the party primaries.

Moreover, El‑Rufai’s reputation as a technocrat and his track record on infrastructure could bolster Atiku’s policy platform, especially on the promised “National Development Agenda” that aims to modernise roads, power grids and digital infrastructure across the federation. Momodu noted that El‑Rufai’s expertise could help Atiku craft credible proposals that go beyond rhetoric.

Potential Risks and Criticisms

Not everyone views the alliance favourably. Critics argue that El‑Rufai’s controversial tenure – especially his handling of security challenges in Kaduna – could alienate voters in the North‑East and parts of the South‑West who suffered from communal clashes. Human rights groups have also documented alleged excesses during his administration, raising concerns about the moral calculus of the partnership.

Furthermore, some ADC members feel uneasy about their chieftain, Dele Momodu, publicly endorsing a move that could be seen as bolstering a rival party’s chances. Momodu, however, maintains that his analysis is rooted in a pragmatic assessment of Nigeria’s political reality, not partisan loyalty.

Implications for the 2027 Election Landscape

The El‑Rufai Atiku council alliance could reshape the 2027 electoral map. Analysts predict that the coalition may force the APC to reconsider its candidate selection, potentially prompting a more inclusive primary that accommodates dissenting voices. Smaller parties, such as the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), may also recalibrate their strategies, seeking niche constituencies that feel neglected by the two giants.

In the broader African context, the partnership mirrors a growing trend where former governors and state-level leaders join national campaigns to leverage regional clout. Similar moves have been observed in Ghana’s 2024 elections, where former regional ministers aligned with opposition coalitions, and in Kenya’s 2022 race, where ex‑governors played king‑maker roles.

What Voters Should Watch For

As the campaign season heats up, voters should monitor three key indicators: the policy documents released by the council, the public engagements of El‑Rufai and Atiku together, and the response from civil society groups. Transparency in how the council plans to address past grievances – especially security and human rights concerns – will be crucial for gaining public trust.

Momodu urges citizens to look beyond personalities and focus on the substantive agenda that the council proposes. “If the alliance can translate into a coherent, people‑centred development plan, it could be a game‑changer,” he said.

FAQ

• Q: Is El‑Rufai officially a member of Atiku’s campaign council? A: Yes. The council was announced in a press release on 23 September 2026, and El‑Rufai’s name appears on the official roster.
• Q: Does this alliance mean El‑Rufai will run for president in 2027? A: Momodu clarified that El‑Rufai has not declared a presidential bid; his role is advisory within Atiku’s council.
• Q: How might this partnership affect the APC’s chances? A: Political analysts suggest the APC could lose some northern delegates to Atiku’s camp, prompting internal reforms or a reshuffle of its own campaign strategy.

For a full read of Dele Momodu’s interview, see the original Naija News article here.

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