Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has lauded the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his performance in office, declaring that the minister would retain his position if the emerging opposition coalition succeeds in ousting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai made the remarks on Wednesday during the second edition of the Arewa Tech Fest, a major technology event held in Katsina State. The three-day festival, convened by El-Rufai himself, is aimed at promoting innovation and investment in the northern tech ecosystem. It brings together startups, investors, developers, government officials, and thought leaders to chart the course for digital transformation across Northern Nigeria.
Addressing participants at the event, El-Rufai praised Tijani for what he described as a forward-thinking and impactful leadership in the tech space. “We will still keep Bosun Tijani because he is doing good work,” the former governor said, stressing the need for continuity in strategic sectors such as digital economy and innovation, regardless of political shifts.
The event featured a keynote address by Minister Tijani, who spoke on the role of digital technology in driving inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable development in Nigeria. His presence underscored the federal government’s growing interest in leveraging technology to solve regional challenges and unlock economic opportunities.
El-Rufai, who arrived behind schedule, took a moment to apologise for his lateness, revealing that it was due to his attendance at a high-level political meeting. He explained that the previous night, he had been part of a crucial “coalition meeting” aimed at building a unified political front to challenge and ultimately remove President Tinubu in the next election cycle.
“They [the organising team] had to come without me because yesterday 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 told the audience.
He added: “I had to attend that meeting at 8pm. The Katsina airport does not operate after 8pm, so I could not come until this morning.”
El-Rufai’s comments mark one of the clearest public confirmations yet of behind-the-scenes efforts by opposition leaders to form a mega-coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Once a strong ally of Tinubu and a powerful figure within the APC, El-Rufai’s political trajectory shifted dramatically in March 2025, when he reportedly resigned his membership of the APC and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Since then, he has positioned himself as a central figure in the opposition movement, leveraging his influence and political experience to rally disenchanted politicians and stakeholders across party lines.
Observers say El-Rufai’s growing alignment with the tech sector may also signal a broader strategy to woo younger, tech-savvy voters and innovators ahead of 2027. His endorsement of Minister Tijani—a technocrat widely respected across party divides—appears to reinforce that approach.
While President Tinubu has yet to officially comment on the brewing coalition, analysts suggest that the evolving political dynamics, especially involving former insiders like El-Rufai, could reshape the electoral landscape in the coming years.
The Arewa Tech Fest continues this week with panels, exhibitions, and pitch sessions designed to attract investment into Northern Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.
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