By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a significant political development, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai paid a visit to ex-All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, at his residence in Keffi, Nasarawa State, earlier today. This meeting has ignited widespread speculation about potential shifts within Nigeria's political landscape.
A History of Collaboration and Tension
Both El-Rufai and Adamu have been pivotal figures in the APC, each wielding considerable influence. Senator Adamu, born on July 23, 1946, in Keffi, has a storied political career, including serving as the Governor of Nasarawa State from 1999 to 2007 and as the APC National Chairman from March 2022 until his resignation in July 2023. His tenure saw both collaboration and contention with party members, including El-Rufai.
El-Rufai, after completing his term as Kaduna State Governor, was nominated for a ministerial position by President Bola Tinubu in July 2023. However, his confirmation was withheld due to security concerns, leading him to co-found a venture capital firm in December 2023 aimed at bolstering Northern Nigeria's economy. By October 2024, El-Rufai announced his intention to re-enter politics in the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that "there is no retirement in politics."
The Keffi Meeting: Timing and Implications
The timing of this meeting is particularly noteworthy. With the 2027 elections on the horizon and internal dynamics within the APC evolving, the discussions between these two stalwarts could signal strategic realignments. While the exact details of their conversation remain undisclosed, political analysts suggest that topics may have included party unity, future leadership roles, and strategies to address current national challenges.
This isn't the first time El-Rufai and Adamu have engaged in high-stakes discussions. In February 2023, amidst the naira redesign policy crisis, both leaders, along with other APC governors, met with Attorney General Abubakar Malami to deliberate on the policy's implications and seek resolutions to the ensuing economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, the alliances and decisions made by influential figures like El-Rufai and Adamu will undoubtedly shape the nation's political trajectory. Their recent meeting in Keffi underscores the fluidity and complexity of political relationships and highlights the ongoing efforts to navigate the challenges facing both the APC and the country at large.