I have seen various articles from Tinubu’s supporters claiming that El-Rufai’s political career will end in 2027. Let me tell you this for free: even if Tinubu and Uba Sani win their reelection in 2027 against El-Rufai’s wishes, that does not mean the end of his political career.
Tinubu, the current president of this country, once supported Atiku against the ruling party and was defeated. Nuhu Ribadu faced multiple defeats in Adamawa, yet today, he serves as the National Security Adviser. Senator Adams Oshiomhole was defeated by his successor due to a breach of agreement between them, forcing him to stay away from the state for years. However, today, he is a senator and has also reclaimed the state from Obaseki.
Similarly, Kwankwaso could not set foot in Kano State during Ganduje’s first tenure while he was still a member of the APC. However, during Ganduje’s reelection, Kwankwaso led his supporters to monitor the election at the INEC office in Kano, where they even slept overnight. Though he lost, it was a tough battle for the APC despite being the ruling party. Today, Kwankwaso has reclaimed Kano from Ganduje and is in control of the state.
Despite Wamakko’s political influence in Sokoto, Tambuwal defeated his candidate—but that did not end Wamakko’s political career.
There are levels in politics where, no matter what you do, you cannot end someone’s political career. El-Rufai belongs to this category of politicians. From his time as BPE Chairman to Minister of the FCT and then Governor of Kaduna State, he has built a strong legacy. You can only attempt to diminish his influence, but you cannot erase it. He is at a level where every presidential candidate would either seek his support or, at the very least, hope he does not campaign against them.
Till then.
– Engr Ira Habib writes from Kogi state.
