Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that he has taken a position on which region should produce Nigeria’s president in the 2027 general election, describing such claims as false, misleading, and a distortion of his views. The former governor, who has in recent months emerged as a prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress, said he has never expressed support for any zoning arrangement or endorsed any presidential aspirant ahead of the next election cycle.
The clarification followed the circulation of several social media posts alleging that El-Rufai had argued that the presidency should shift to the South in 2027 and that he preferred former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The claims, which spread rapidly across online platforms, sparked political debate and commentary, particularly given El-Rufai’s long-standing influence within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Reacting on Monday through a statement posted on his verified account on X, formerly known as Twitter, El-Rufai categorically denied making any such remarks. He stated that at no point had he made comments in support of a particular region producing the next president, nor had he publicly or privately endorsed any individual for the 2027 presidential race. According to him, the reports were entirely fabricated and did not reflect his views or political position.
El-Rufai stressed that despite the widespread attention the claims received online, they were not based on any statement, interview, speech, or publication attributable to him. He said the speed with which the allegations gained traction underscored a growing problem in Nigeria’s political discourse, where unverified information is often amplified without regard for accuracy or source credibility.
The former governor emphasised that his opinions and positions on national issues are communicated only through his verified social media platforms or through clearly identifiable and credible media engagements. He cautioned Nigerians against relying on screenshots, anonymous posts, or second-hand interpretations that are not traceable to his official channels, noting that such practices fuel confusion and mistrust in the public space.
In his statement, El-Rufai also criticised the tendency of some individuals to attribute opinion articles written by others to him, simply because he shared or reposted such materials on his social media accounts. He described this as a deliberate misrepresentation, explaining that sharing an article does not amount to authorship or an endorsement of every argument contained in it. According to him, this practice has become a recurring tactic used to falsely project positions onto public figures for political or ideological reasons.
The former Kaduna governor expressed concern about what he described as irresponsible political conduct and the abuse of social media as a tool for spreading falsehoods. He warned that when misinformation is allowed to thrive unchecked, it undermines constructive debate and weakens democratic processes. El-Rufai argued that political engagement should be grounded in facts and transparent positions, rather than speculation and deliberate misquotations.
He also directed strong words at media practitioners and commentators, urging them to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publishing or sharing it. El-Rufai said society pays a heavy price when journalists abandon basic fact-checking principles and instead amplify rumours originating from social media. He noted that the credibility of the media is eroded when unverified stories are presented as news, making it harder for the public to distinguish fact from fiction.
According to El-Rufai, the responsibility of the media goes beyond reporting what is trending online. He said journalists have a duty to interrogate claims, confirm sources, and seek clarification from those mentioned in reports, particularly on sensitive political matters that can influence public opinion and national stability. He warned that the careless spread of false information could inflame political tensions and distract from substantive policy discussions Nigeria urgently needs.
The former governor concluded his statement by advising Nigerians to place trust only in statements that come directly from him through his official social media accounts or through verifiable media interviews. He said this was the only reliable way to avoid being misled by fabricated quotes and politically motivated narratives. El-Rufai reiterated that he remains committed to constructive national discourse and would continue to engage the public openly on issues of governance, reform, and Nigeria’s future when he chooses to speak.
The episode reflects broader concerns about misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, where high-profile political figures are frequently targeted with false attributions, especially as the country edges closer to another election cycle. Analysts note that as political realignments continue and new platforms emerge, the spread of unverified claims is likely to intensify, making vigilance by both the media and the public increasingly important.
For now, El-Rufai’s rebuttal appears aimed at drawing a clear line between his actual positions and narratives circulating online in his name. By distancing himself from the alleged comments, he has sought to reaffirm control over his public voice and caution against what he views as a dangerous erosion of truth in political communication. As debates around 2027 gradually gather momentum, his statement serves as a reminder of the need for accuracy, restraint, and accountability in Nigeria’s political reporting and discourse.
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