Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, Mayor of Urhoboland and former Niger Delta militant, has cautioned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against looking to the South-South for political backing ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
El-Rufai has recently criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu over alleged political marginalization. However, Akpodoro insists that the South-South is not swayed by his complaints.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, February 24, 2025, Akpodoro dismissed El-Rufai’s push for a North-South-South alliance to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
“If El-Rufai believes he holds significant influence in the North, let alone the South-South, he is mistaken. We once erred by opposing one of our own, President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2015—we will not repeat that mistake,” Akpodoro declared.
He also questioned El-Rufai’s leadership record, accusing him of leaving behind hardship and bloodshed in Kaduna State.
“Southern Kaduna is finally experiencing relief after his exit. Many in his state appreciate President Tinubu’s different leadership style,” he added.
Akpodoro emphasized that northerners are now more politically conscious and recognize that El-Rufai and his allies prioritize personal ambition over national interest.
He advised the former governor to abandon any hopes of South-South support.
“El-Rufai should seek alliances elsewhere. When he was at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, he had no regard for this region, and now he wants to use it for political advantage. We stand firmly with President Tinubu,” Akpodoro concluded.
