A new political dynamic may be unfolding as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai made a rare public appearance together on Friday. The two were part of a delegation that visited the family of the late nationalist, Chief Edwin Clark, to offer condolences.
Atiku shared details of the visit on his X handle, describing Clark’s passing as a national loss and acknowledging his contributions to Nigerian unity. However, it was El-Rufai’s presence in the delegation that caught political observers by surprise.
The former Kaduna governor, who has been vocal in his criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Bola Tinubu, recently distanced himself from the party, citing a lack of internal democracy. His alignment with Atiku, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has fueled speculation of a brewing political realignment.
READ ALSO: Atiku Denies Political Intent Behind Meeting with Obasanjo
Atiku’s recent engagements have added to the intrigue. Before meeting El-Rufai, he held discussions with former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida in Minna and later visited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Ogun State.
With 2027 elections on the horizon, these high-profile interactions suggest that major political manoeuvring may be underway, raising questions about El-Rufai’s next move and the possibility of shifting alliances ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.