Reconcile with El-Rufai as elections approaches, Nataro urges Tinubu

Salihu Isa Nataro, a former governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State, is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mend ties with former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai and reintegrate him into the party as the 2027 elections approach.

Nataro emphasized that with the current political shifts in Northern Nigeria, it is essential for the President to focus on the North-West geopolitical zone. He pointed out that after Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s removal as APC national chairman, the zone lacks a powerful political leader who can effectively garner support for Tinubu.

He also expressed worry about reports suggesting that former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso might join forces with a coalition aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). “Even if the current Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, joins the APC, there will still be a significant gap in political influence for the zone,” Nataro warned.

Commenting on the strained relations between Tinubu and el-Rufai, Nataro attributed the discord to jealousy and the influence of political adversaries. While he acknowledged el-Rufai’s major flaw as the use of foreign loans for urban development, he argued that this should not overshadow his overall accomplishments in public service.

“The perception would be more favorable had those funds been invested in education, agriculture, or small industries,” he remarked. “However, this single misstep does not diminish his excellent track record as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration,” Nataro stated.

He asserted that el-Rufai is a valuable political asset who could enhance Tinubu’s prospects in the North-West. “There’s still considerable work required to effectively promote President Tinubu in the North-West. I believe el-Rufai is capable of doing this well. As a committed supporter of the President in the region, I urge his swift reintegration,” he urged.

Nataro further claimed that a joint ticket featuring Tinubu and el-Rufai would be formidable and hard to beat in the zone. “A Tinubu-El-Rufai ticket would be strong and unbeatable, even if former President Goodluck Jonathan decided to run again.

Constitutionally, Jonathan has already served two terms, but even if he were to enter the race, it is doubtful he would pick a North-West running mate, particularly with Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, emerging as national chairman from the region,” he explained.