After weeks of absence from Nigeria, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made a high-profile return, visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence on Friday. The visit comes amid heightened political intrigue, especially as it follows similar engagements by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who also paid homage to Buhari earlier in the week.
El-Rufai’s recent sightings in Egypt and Saudi Arabia had fueled speculation about his political future, with many wondering about his next move. His reappearance in Kaduna, a stronghold of his political influence, signals not just a homecoming but a strategic repositioning within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Sources familiar with the visit suggest discussions centered around the future of the party, governance, and 2027 political permutations.
Buhari, who relocated permanently to Kaduna in February 2025, has remained a key political figure despite stepping down in 2023. His residence has increasingly become a hub for APC power players, with El-Rufai’s visit reinforcing the former president’s enduring influence in shaping the party’s direction.
Political analysts view El-Rufai’s return as more than just a routine visit; it is widely interpreted as the beginning of a recalibration of political alliances ahead of 2027. Given his history as a political strategist and his deep ties within the APC, his engagement with Buhari could play a pivotal role in determining the party’s leadership structure and electoral strategies in the coming years.
As the political chessboard continues to evolve, El-Rufai’s return and his Kaduna meeting with Buhari mark a significant moment. With the APC already strategizing for the future, this development further cements Kaduna as a focal point in Nigeria’s unfolding political narrative.