Former Niger Delta militant and Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has warned ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against looking to the South-South for political backing ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
El-Rufai has been vocal in his criticisms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, alleging political marginalization.
However, Akpodoro insists that the South-South remains unmoved by his grievances.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, February 24, 2025, Akpodoro dismissed El-Rufai’s push for a North-South-South alliance to challenge Tinubu in the next election.
“If El-Rufai thinks he holds significant influence in the North, let alone the South-South, he is mistaken. We once made the error of opposing one of our own, President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2015—we will not repeat that mistake,” Akpodoro stated.
He also criticized El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, accusing him of leaving behind hardship and unrest in Kaduna State.
“The people of Southern Kaduna are relieved after his departure. Many in his state appreciate President Tinubu’s leadership style, which has taken a different approach,” he added.
Akpodoro further noted that northerners are now more politically aware and recognize that El-Rufai and his allies prioritize personal ambitions over national interest.
He urged the former governor to abandon any hopes of securing South-South support.
“El-Rufai should look elsewhere for alliances. During his time at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, he showed no concern for this region, and now he wants to use it for political advantage. We stand firmly with President Tinubu,” Akpodoro concluded.