During a condolence visit to the late Edwin Clark’s family, a Niger Delta leader and statesman, former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai advised the north and south to revive their old political partnership.
The visit happened on Friday, 23 February.
El-Rufai stressed the need for national unity.
“In the 60s, 70s and 80s, the traditional political allies of the north were the south-south. Let us not forget that. Let us save this country – it’s a rescue operation,” he said.
El-Rufai’s comments come as opposition alliances are being speculated ahead of 2027.
In recent months, there have been many closed door meetings between politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who accompanied el-Rufai to Clark’s residence.
Atiku was Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007 and el-Rufai praised him for the economic reforms during that time.
The former governor’s recent engagements suggest a strategic shift.
In January, he met with Hamza Al-Mustapha, former aide to late Sani Abacha and Shehu Gabam, chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) among others in Abuja.
Segun Showunmi, ex-spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign confirmed that these meetings were part of broader efforts to “strategise” for 2027.
El-Rufai’s distance from APC has further fuelled speculation. Last month he said the gap between him and the party was “growing” and hinted at realignments.
Political analysts say his outreach to southern leaders is a calculated move to rebuilt the north-south coalition that once dominated Nigeria’s governance.
Historically, north-south alliances have shaped Nigeria’s politics. For instance, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) that governed from 1979 to 1983 relied heavily on this partnership to win elections.
El-Rufai’s call mirrors this template to address the current challenges of economic instability and regional distrust.
No statistics on public opinion but a 2023 CDD report showed that 68% of Nigerians think interregional collaboration is key to national progress.
El-Rufai’s call aligns with that but success depends on reconciling regional interests.