In a bold move against misinformation, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has firmly rejected widespread online rumors linking him to statements about Nigeria’s next presidential election.
Social media buzzed with claims that El-Rufai, a key figure in the African Democratic Congress, endorsed the South as the rightful region to lead in 2027.
These unverified stories even hinted at his potential support for Labour Party’s 2023 contender Peter Obi, sidelining ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
El-Rufai swiftly addressed the issue through his verified X account on Monday, labeling the entire narrative as fabricated.
“I never pointed fingers at any region for the 2027 presidency, those words aren’t mine, no matter how far they’ve spread,” El-Rufai stated in his post.
He emphasized that his official channels are the only places where his true opinions appear, distancing himself from any misattributed views.
Sharing articles doesn’t mean he agrees with them, he added, urging caution in how content is interpreted online.
“Fake news thrives when we skip the facts, it’s time to end this cycle of deceit,” he warned in the statement.
El-Rufai highlighted the dangers of reckless political games and social media abuse in fueling divisions.
He called on journalists and everyday users to double-check sources before amplifying stories.
“When editors and influencers drop the ball on verification, we all pay the price in a sea of lies,” El-Rufai remarked.
Stressing accountability, he reminded everyone that Nigeria’s stability depends on truthful discourse.
This incident underscores rising concerns over fake news in Nigerian politics ahead of 2027 elections.
El-Rufai’s response serves as a reminder for responsible sharing in an era of rapid information flow.