I pray Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, other opposition leaders join SDP – El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Speaking on the state of the nation to BBC Hausa, El-Rufai disclosed his disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that despite his expectations based on Tinubu’s achievements in Lagos, his government has failed to deliver.

“What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the SDP,” he said.

“What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges.”

“We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.

Speaking on past political alignments, El-Rufai denied ever betraying Atiku, explaining that their relationship started outside politics.

He further stated that his stance on political matters has always been based on performance rather than personal loyalty.

“When Obasanjo and Atiku had issues, those of us working with Obasanjo analyzed the situation and concluded that Obasanjo was more right.”

“It was not about north or south; it was about who was right,” he added.

“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work.”

“In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him. I told Buhari, and I even took Buhari to court on the new naira issue.”

“When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right. It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right.

“Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him why are we together now,” Elrufai said.