El-Rufai Endorses Atiku’s Past Economic Policies, Sparks Speculation of 2027 Alliance

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has praised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s economic policies during his time in office.

El-Rufai made the remarks during a condolence visit to the family of late Pan Niger Delta Forum leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

El-Rufai acknowledged Atiku’s leadership in shaping economic policies under the Obasanjo administration which was between 1999 and 2007.

He said, “Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policy making… many of the things we did, we did it under his leadership… but people focus on the negatives.”

The endorsement has sparked speculation about a possible alliance between El-Rufai and Atiku ahead of the 2027 elections.

Besides being seen at the condolence visit, the two were earlier in the day pictured going to the Mosque in Abuja.

El-Rufai’s praise for Atiku’s economic policies has eyebrows raised, given his recent criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Recently, he said the relationship between Tinubu and the north was deteriorating, warning that the president may face a similar fate to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who failed to secure a second term.

The remark was in response to a comment by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje who urged northerners with presidential ambitions to abandon their plans, insisting that Tinubu will serve his statutory two terms.