Politics
El-Rufai Rejects Zoning for 2027
Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State and a key figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has firmly declared that the party will not utilize zoning for its 2027 presidential ticket. Speaking on the party’s election strategy, he emphasized a commitment to open primaries, allowing all aspirants a fair chance to compete for the nomination.
El-Rufai underscored that the ADC is engaged in aggressive mobilization efforts across all levels, focusing intensely on grassroots engagement at polling units and ward levels. He argued that this strategy is crucial for positioning the party as a genuine alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a stark assessment of the current political climate, the former governor noted the growing disconnection between ruling party lawmakers and their constituents. He suggested that many APC legislators face significant danger when visiting their home regions due to widespread public anger regarding economic conditions.
Dismissing the need for consensus candidates or forcing aspirants to step down, El-Rufai reiterated that the party’s priority is a transparent process. He stated that all candidates will have the opportunity to showcase their platforms, with the ultimate winner receiving the unified support of the party.
The ADC chieftain highlighted that the party is tapping into the profound dissatisfaction among Nigerians to build a formidable support base from the ground up. He challenged critics to observe the grassroots strength of the ADC compared to the ruling party, suggesting that APC members struggle to move through their constituencies without heavy security protection.
While debates surrounding zoning remain a prominent feature of Nigerian politics, El-Rufai’s stance signals a definitive shift within the ADC toward competitive, non-ethnic based candidacy selection. He maintained that this approach is essential for fostering democratic growth and ensuring accountability in leadership.
The strategy aims to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, focusing on a robust manifesto and platform that addresses national issues. By encouraging open competition, the ADC hopes to attract voters who are disillusioned with traditional political maneuvers and imposition.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, El-Rufai’s declaration sets the stage for intense internal competition within the ADC, while simultaneously posing a direct challenge to the strategies employed by major opposition and ruling parties.
