Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

This appeal follows El-Rufai’s resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, citing a misalignment of values with the ruling party.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, he emphasized the need for opposition unity, rejecting the idea of a merger or forming a new party.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed concerns about the 2027 elections, stating that President Tinubu is currently focused on economic reforms and improving Nigerians’ welfare.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications emphasized achievements like rising foreign reserves, reduced inflation, and increased trade surplus.

El-Rufai, however, expressed disappointment in the Tinubu administration, stating that he had supported the president based on his record in Lagos but now feels let down.

He also clarified that his potential 2027 presidential ambition would depend on the party and the will of the people.

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria must develop and stand beyond religious bigotry.

The president spoke in Abuja on Friday when he received a delegation from the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, led by Lucius Ugorji, the conference president.

Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians due to ongoing economic reforms, stating that the measures implemented were necessary to build a resilient nation and secure a better future for generations to come.

“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face. We are not going to bankrupt our country,” Tinubu said.

We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; we were spending their rights. Poverty has no religious basis. It affects all, and we must fight it together.”

Tinubu added that poverty transcends religious and ethnic divides, urging citizens and leaders to unite in addressing the issue.

He said tax reforms are an opportunity for Nigerians to invest in the nation’s development.

On the issue of insecurity, the president assured the bishops that security agencies are making significant progress in tackling the nation’s challenges.

He said the impact of insecurity is felt by all, regardless of religious affiliation, and reiterated his commitment to religious tolerance.

“This insecurity affects everyone—Christians and Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church,” Tinubu said.

“But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry.

The president thanked religious leaders for their prayers, noting that the country is already witnessing a better deal and a newfound optimism.

He highlighted the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the bountiful harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.

“There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria. I am very proud of that,” he said.

“What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. And we are not half-time yet. I’m happy to see this period alive and healthy, and I am thankful to all of you for your prayers.”

President Donald Trump of the United States is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban.

According to an internal memo regarding the move, a total of 41 countries divided into three separate groups would be affected.

The first group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba and North Korea among others, would be set for a full visa suspension.

In the second group, five countries, including Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar and South Sudan, would face partial suspensions that would impact tourist and student visas as well as other immigrant visas, with some exceptions.

According to the memo, in the third group, a total of 26 countries that includes Belarus, Pakistan and Turkmenistan among others would be considered for a partial suspension of US visa issuance if their governments do not make efforts to address deficiencies within 60 days.

The move harkens back to President Donald Trump’s first term ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

It could be recalled that Trump issued an executive order on January 20 immediately after his inauguration requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the US to detect national security threats.

That order mandated several cabinet members to submit by March 21 a list of countries from which travel should be partly or fully suspended because their vetting and screening information is so deficient.