El-Rufai Can’t Decide Nigeria’s Future, Says Presidency
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, has dismissed recent comments by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that the opposition will unseat Tinubu in 2027.
Dare emphasized that El-Rufai does not hold the electoral power to determine the outcome of national elections, stating that several other politicians possess greater influence and broader electoral appeal.
In a recent episode of Mic On Podcast aired on Saturday, Dare responded to El-Rufai’s assertion that a strong opposition alliance would “send Tinubu back to Lagos” during the next general election.
“Is El-Rufai 110 million Nigerians who will vote? How many voters does he command?” Dare asked. “Even if he has influence, he cannot dictate how people will vote.”
While acknowledging El-Rufai’s contributions, Dare warned against overestimating his political reach. “I have respect for him, but to equate El-Rufai with Nigeria and its millions of voters is an overreach. Every Nigerian has an equal stake in this country — El-Rufai is not bigger than any of them,” he said.
Dare expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances for re-election, crediting the president’s economic and social reforms. He noted that leading experts have projected Nigerians will begin to feel the full impact of these reforms within four to six years.
“The alignment of policies across critical sectors such as solid minerals — like lithium and copper — the oil industry, education, agriculture, and healthcare, speaks volumes,” Dare said. “For example, 5,000 primary healthcare centres are being revitalized nationwide, with 1,000 already fully operational.”
He added that the volume and pace of reforms within two years of Tinubu’s presidency reflect a leadership focused on development and national renewal.
“More importantly,” he concluded, “President Tinubu understands that Nigeria — this giant — has for too long been punching below its weight.
