Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has called for a renewed political alliance between the north and the south-south, saying such a partnership is necessary to rescue Nigeria.

Speaking on Friday during a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman and Niger Delta advocate, Edwin Clark, el-Rufai emphasized the historical political ties between the two regions.

“In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the traditional political partners of the north were the south-south. Let us not forget that. Let us go back to that. Let us save this country because it really requires saving. We need a rescue operation,” he said.

His statement comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition politicians holding “strategic meetings” to form possible coalitions.

El-Rufai, who was led to the visit by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, praised Abubakar’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic reforms during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

The former governor has been meeting with key opposition figures in recent weeks, sparking speculation about his political future. In January, he met with Hamza Al-Mustapha, former aide to late military ruler Sani Abacha, and Shehu Gabam, national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others, in Abuja.

Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku’s presidential campaign, described the meeting as a strategy session for 2027.

El-Rufai has also hinted at a possible departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating last month that the gap between him and the ruling party is “widening.”