RECONCILE WITH EL-RUFAI BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE, NATARO URGES TINUBU. (PHOTO).

Reconcile With El-Rufai Before It’s Too Late, Nataro Urges Tinubu

Salihu Isa Nataro, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kebbi State, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconcile with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and bring him back into the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Nataro said the ongoing political realignment in Northern Nigeria makes it imperative for the President to pay close attention to the North-West geopolitical zone.

According to him, following the removal of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as APC national chairman, the zone currently lacks a strong political figure capable of effectively rallying support for Tinubu.

He also expressed concern over reports that former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be aligning with a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Even if the incumbent Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, defects to the APC, there would still be a major gap in terms of zonal political influence,” Nataro said.

Speaking on the strained relationship between Tinubu and el-Rufai, Nataro attributed the rift to envy and the activities of political detractors.

He admitted that el-Rufai’s major shortcoming as Kaduna governor was the use of foreign loans for urban renewal projects, but insisted that this should not overshadow his broader achievements in public service.

“The perception would have been different if those funds had been channeled into education, agriculture, or the establishment of cottage industries,” he noted.

“Nonetheless, that singular error does not diminish his outstanding performance as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo,” Nataro added.

He stressed that el-Rufai remains a key political asset who could significantly boost Tinubu’s chances in the North-West.

“There is still much work to be done in properly selling President Tinubu in the North-West. I strongly believe el-Rufai has the capacity to do this effectively. As a loyal supporter of the President in the region, I urge that el-Rufai be brought back into the fold without delay,” he said.

Nataro further argued that a Tinubu/el-Rufai ticket would be formidable and difficult to defeat in the zone.

“A Tinubu–El-Rufai ticket would be solid and unbeatable, even if former President Goodluck Jonathan were to re-enter the race. Constitutionally, Jonathan has already completed his two terms, but even if he contests, it is unlikely he would choose a North-West running mate, especially with Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, already emerging as national chairman from the zone,” he stated.