Former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, has firmly dismissed viral reports attributing statements to him regarding the 2027 Nigerian presidency, labeling the claims as "fake news" and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
In a statement released today, El-Rufai clarified that he never specified which region of the country should produce the next president, emphasizing that such attributions are entirely fabricated.
The controversy stems from circulating reports on social media and online platforms falsely claiming that El-Rufai endorsed the presidency shifting to Southern Nigeria in 2027 or that he had abandoned support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in favor of a Southern candidate.
El-Rufai categorically denied these assertions, stating, “My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027. This is entirely false and misleading.” He further added, “The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by a fake news platform is no excuse to spread misinformation.”
In his statement titled “Fake Comment on 2027,” El-Rufai urged the public and media to verify information before dissemination, highlighting the dangers of unchecked false narratives in Nigeria's political landscape. He reiterated his commitment to national unity and fair political processes, without endorsing any specific region, individual, or agenda for the upcoming elections.
This denial comes amid growing speculation about the 2027 presidential race, with various figures and regions positioning themselves ahead of the polls. El-Rufai, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a key player in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has previously been vocal on governance issues but maintains that his recent comments have been misconstrued.