The Nigerian political landscape is once again heating up as the 2027 presidential election looms on the horizon. A recent statement attributed to Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has sent ripples through the nation’s political circles. At the Arewa TechFest in Katsina on May 21, 2025, El-Rufai reportedly declared, “We will remove Tinubu but keep Bosun Tijani as minister.” This bold pronouncement, made in the context of a coalition meeting with opposition heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, signals a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics. It also underscores the growing recognition of Bosun Tijani’s transformative work as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
The Statement: A Dual Message
El-Rufai’s statement, “We will remove Tinubu but keep Bosun Tijani as minister,” is a masterclass in political messaging. It serves two distinct purposes: first, it signals a direct challenge to Tinubu’s presidency, and second, it acknowledges the exceptional performance of Bosun Tijani, a minister who has earned bipartisan praise for his work. Let’s break down these two components.
1. The Challenge to Tinubu
El-Rufai’s declaration of intent to “remove Tinubu” is a bold escalation of his rift with the president. The fallout between the two men, once allies, is rooted in the ministerial nomination saga and broader dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s governance. Critics of the administration, including El-Rufai, point to economic challenges, rising insecurity, and perceived favoritism in appointments as reasons for their opposition. By publicly aligning with Atiku and Obi, El-Rufai is betting on a coalition that can capitalize on these grievances to unseat Tinubu in 2027.
However, this ambition is not without risks. Tinubu, a seasoned political strategist, commands significant loyalty within the APC and has a strong base in the southwest, with growing influence in other regions. The opposition coalition, while promising, must overcome historical rivalries between figures like Atiku and Obi, who competed fiercely in 2023. Moreover, the SDP’s internal challenges, including leadership disputes, could undermine El-Rufai’s efforts to build a cohesive platform. The ADC, as a relatively minor player, will need to rapidly scale its grassroots presence to compete effectively.
2. The Endorsement of Bosun Tijani
The second part of El-Rufai’s statement—his praise for Bosun Tijani—is equally significant. Tijani, appointed Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in 2023, has emerged as one of the brightest stars in Tinubu’s cabinet. His inclusion in the administration was initially surprising, given his past criticisms of Tinubu and the APC on social media. However, Tinubu’s decision to appoint him, reportedly based on his track record as a tech entrepreneur and founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), has proven to be a masterstroke.
Tijani’s tenure has been marked by ambitious initiatives to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy. Key achievements include:
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Expansion of Digital Infrastructure: Tijani has spearheaded efforts to increase broadband penetration, including partnerships with private sector players to expand 5G networks and improve internet access in rural areas.
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Support for Tech Startups: Through policies like the Nigeria Startup Act, Tijani has fostered an enabling environment for tech entrepreneurs, providing access to funding, tax incentives, and regulatory support.
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Digital Skills Development: Initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program aim to train millions of Nigerian youths in digital skills, aligning with global demands for tech talent.
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Global Recognition: Tijani’s leadership has earned Nigeria accolades on the international stage, with the country hosting events like Arewa TechFest, where El-Rufai made his statement.
Even President Tinubu has publicly acknowledged Tijani’s contributions, describing him as a “game-changer” in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. El-Rufai’s endorsement of Tijani, despite his opposition to Tinubu, suggests a rare moment of bipartisan consensus. It also indicates that Tijani’s work is seen as critical to Nigeria’s future, regardless of who holds the presidency.
Why Keep Tijani?
El-Rufai’s call to retain Tijani as minister reflects the minister’s unique ability to bridge political divides and deliver tangible results. Unlike many political appointees, Tijani’s background is rooted in the private sector, where he built CcHub into one of Africa’s leading tech incubators. His appointment was a departure from the traditional practice of rewarding political loyalists, signaling Tinubu’s willingness to prioritize competence in certain areas.
Tijani’s policies have resonated with Nigeria’s youth, a demographic that constitutes over 60% of the population and is increasingly vocal about economic opportunities. His focus on digital innovation aligns with global trends, where technology is a key driver of economic growth. For El-Rufai and the opposition coalition, retaining Tijani could serve as a strategic move to appeal to young voters and the tech community, who see him as a credible figure untainted by the usual political baggage.
Moreover, Tijani’s ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape has earned him respect across party lines. His past criticisms of Tinubu, which he has since reconciled with through his appointment, demonstrate his pragmatism and ability to work within the system while pushing for reform. For a coalition aiming to present a forward-looking agenda, Tijani represents a valuable asset.
The Road to 2027: Challenges and Opportunities
El-Rufai’s statement is a bold opening salvo in what promises to be a contentious lead-up to the 2027 elections. The coalition’s success will depend on several factors:
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Unity of Purpose: The opposition must overcome historical rivalries and present a unified front. Atiku and Obi, both of whom ran against Tinubu in 2023, have distinct political bases and ideologies. Aligning their visions under the ADC will require deft negotiation.
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Grassroots Mobilization: The ADC lacks the nationwide infrastructure of the APC or PDP. Building a robust campaign network in less than two years will be a formidable challenge.
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Economic and Social Context: Nigeria’s economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, could fuel public discontent with Tinubu’s administration, giving the opposition an opening. However, Tinubu’s ability to stabilize the economy or deliver on key promises could blunt their momentum.
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Tijani’s Role: If Tijani continues to deliver results, his retention could become a rallying point for the opposition, appealing to voters who prioritize competence over party loyalty.
For Tinubu, the coalition’s emergence is a reminder of the fragility of political alliances. His administration will need to address public grievances, particularly on economic issues, while leveraging his political acumen to counter the opposition’s moves.
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