Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has publicly endorsed the performance of Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, stating the tech-savvy minister would retain his position if their political coalition succeeds in unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“We will still keep Bosun Tijani because he is doing good work,” El-Rufai declared Wednesday during his keynote address at the second Arewa Tech Fest in Katsina. The three-day technology summit brings together startups, investors, tech professionals and policymakers to drive innovation in Northern Nigeria.
The former governor arrived late to the event, offering a striking explanation for his tardiness: “They (the organizing team) had to come without me because yesterday (Tuesday) at 8pm there was a very important meeting of the coalition we’re putting together to ensure that President Tinubu goes back to Lagos.”
El-Rufai further clarified his delayed arrival: “I had to attend that meeting at 8pm. The Katsina airport does not operate after 8pm, so I could not come until this morning.”
The revelation provides rare public confirmation of active opposition efforts to build a multi-party coalition against Tinubu’s reelection bid. El-Rufai, a former APC stalwart who reportedly defected to the Social Democratic Party in March, has emerged as a leading architect of this anti-Tinubu alliance.
Minister Tijani, who delivered the festival’s keynote address, received unusual public backing from the opposition figure. El-Rufai’s endorsement suggests the coalition may retain certain performing ministers while pursuing broader political changes.
The Arewa Tech Fest continues through Friday, with El-Rufai’s comments injecting unexpected political drama into the technology-focused gathering. His remarks mark the clearest indication yet of coordinated efforts to challenge Tinubu’s presidency in the next election cycle.