Columns

2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

Published

10 months ago

April 16, 2025

News Net Global

2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

By Dr. James Bwala

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state and the former senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, have severally revealed in their various commentaries and interviews with journalists the kind of person the former governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is and what he represents within and outside the political circles. Many who had also come across such pieces of writing or articles written about the former Kaduna state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, have either aired their sentiments or held their reservations about the person of El-Rufai. Those of us who were born and brought up in Kaduna State can agree or disagree with Governor Uba Sani and Senator Shehu Sani on their conclusion of the person of El-Rufai. But certainly, one thing we may all agree on is better put in the words of Nigeria’s former head of state and president, Olusegun Obasanjo, when he described the Man-El-Rufai in his book, “My Watch,” Vol. 2, pages 110-112. “El-Rufai has a penchant for lying, disloyalty..’.

The political landscape of Nigeria in 2027 presents a complex narrative of opportunism and strategic repositioning, epitomized by Nasir el-Rufai’s calculated maneuvers within the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai’s persistent party-hopping demonstrates the pragmatic nature of Nigerian political elites, who prioritize personal interests over substantive national transformation. This phenomenon reveals a systemic problem where political leaders view party affiliations as tactical instruments rather than platforms for genuine societal progress. The strategically orchestrated political realignments, particularly el-Rufai’s mobilization of opposition leaders under the SDP banner, underscore a deeper malaise in Nigerian democratic practice. His attempts to reconstruct political narratives reflect a calculated approach to maintaining relevance in an increasingly volatile political environment. The persistent manipulation of electoral dynamics suggests a continued reliance on rhetorical strategies designed to obscure fundamental governance challenges.

In 2027, the political landscape in Nigeria continues to be shaped by complex dynamics involving several players, notably the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and prominent figures like Nasir El-Rufai. This piece explores the intersection of political strategies, governance, and the pervasive influence of misinformation, encapsulated in the idea of a “refuge of lies.” The SDP has historically positioned itself as a party dedicated to social justice, democracy, and economic advancement. However, as 2027 unfolds, it faces significant challenges that threaten its credibility and electoral viability. One critical issue is the party’s struggle to maintain a clear and honest narrative amid a climate of misinformation.

In recent years, the proliferation of social media has allowed for rapid dissemination of both information and falsehoods, leading to confusion among voters. The SDP must navigate this reality by championing transparency and engaging with citizens on the ground to rebuild trust. Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, also plays a pivotal role in this narrative. Known for his controversial approaches to governance, El-Rufai’s political maneuvers often stir debate. His strategies, ranging from economic reforms to security initiatives, highlight the necessity of truthful discourse in politics.

In a political climate where misinformation can skew public perception, El-Rufai’s successes and failures must be viewed through a lens of honesty. The SDP could benefit by aligning its objectives with truthfulness, demonstrating how effective governance relies on accurate and factual communication. The “refuge of lies” refers to the tendency of some political actors to resort to deceitful tactics to gain an advantage. This can involve making exaggerated claims about achievements or downplaying failures to manipulate public opinion. This practice erodes the foundation of democracy, as voters are left with distorted views of their leaders and their policies.

Throughout 2027, as both the SDP and El-Rufai navigate their agendas, it is crucial to foster an environment where integrity prevails over deception. Voter education campaigns that promote critical thinking and fact-checking can combat the effects of misinformation. Indeed, the interplay between the SDP, Nasir El-Rufai, and the concept of the “refuge of lies” presents a critical moment for Nigeria’s political future. It emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in governance and the need for political accountability. As the country approaches the next electoral cycle, the challenges posed by misinformation demand urgent action. A commitment to transparency and integrity from both the SDP and political leaders like El-Rufai can foster a healthier democratic process, ultimately benefiting the electorate and the nation as a whole.

Ultimately, the 2027 political landscape for the SDP and its co-travellers under the umbrella called “A Coalition” represents a refuge of lies, where political survival trumps meaningful democratic engagement. El-Rufai’s maneuvers exemplify a broader pattern of political opportunism that undermines the potential for substantive national renewal. As Nigerian voters navigate these complex political terrains, the imperative for critical engagement and systemic accountability becomes increasingly paramount. Voters are left to discern between the rhetoric of change and the reality of recycled political tactics. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by a political climate where promises of reform are frequently overshadowed by entrenched interests and the perpetuation of power dynamics that favor the political elite over ordinary citizens. The entrenched cycle of political defections and alliances, as evidenced by El-Rufai’s maneuvers, highlights a stark reality where the pursuit of power supersedes the commitment to national development.

This pattern of political maneuvering not only perpetuates a cycle of disillusionment among the electorate but also poses significant challenges to fostering a stable and transparent democratic process. The electorate’s growing disillusionment is exacerbated by political figures like El-Rufai, whose repeated party affiliations underscore a tactical play for power rather than a commitment to transformative leadership. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by a political climate where promises of reform are frequently overshadowed by entrenched interests and the perpetuation of power dynamics that favor the political elite over ordinary citizens. Such political maneuvering not only undermines the electorate’s trust but also perpetuates a cycle where substantial policy reform remains elusive. The strategic alignment of political figures with parties like the SDP, as advocated by El-Rufai, underscores a pervasive trend where political survival is prioritized over authentic governance reforms. Such a focus on political expediency rather than genuine reform efforts raises critical questions about the future of democracy in Nigeria and whether the electorate will continue to tolerate this cyclical betrayal.

The electorate’s growing disillusionment with these political machinations may eventually catalyze a demand for transparency and accountability, challenging leaders like El-Rufai to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible reforms. Given the electorate’s increasing frustration, it becomes imperative for political leaders to demonstrate a commitment to substantive policy changes rather than mere political posturing. The electorate’s demand for accountability is not only a call for action but also a test of the political will to transcend entrenched interests and foster genuine progress. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) must navigate these turbulent waters carefully, as its credibility hinges on distancing itself from the pervasive culture of political expediency that has long plagued the nation’s governance.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/southeast-crises-ipob-peddling-falsehood-disinformation-to-remain-relevant-army/

As the 2027 elections approach, the SDP’s challenge lies in convincing an increasingly skeptical public that it can break away from the entrenched practices of its predecessors and offer a viable alternative to the status quo. The party’s ability to present a cohesive and transparent platform will be crucial in dispelling the pervasive cynicism that has long characterized Nigerian politics. The party’s leadership must recognize that empty promises and shifting allegiances, as exemplified by political figures like El-Rufai, are no longer sufficient to secure the trust of a populace weary of recycled rhetoric and superficial alliances. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by figures like El-Rufai, whose frequent party shifts are seen as emblematic of political opportunism rather than a genuine commitment to reform.

The challenge for the SDP will be to distinguish itself from figures like El-Rufai, whose political maneuvers have often been perceived as prioritizing self-interest over meaningful reform. To truly resonate with the electorate, the SDP must present a clear and consistent vision that starkly contrasts with the opportunistic tendencies of career politicians like El-Rufai. The SDP must focus on articulating policies that address the systemic issues of governance, resource mismanagement, and public disenchantment, rather than succumbing to the allure of temporary palliatives that have historically characterized political campaigns. The SDP’s commitment to integrity and reform will be tested as it navigates the complex landscape of Nigerian politics, where promises are often made with little intention of being fulfilled. The SDP must also remain vigilant against the allure of figures whose past actions, such as those of El-Rufai, have often contributed to the perpetuation of a political culture rooted in cynicism and self-preservation. The SDP’s ability to build trust will hinge on its willingness to break away from the shadow of political figures like El-Rufai, whose influence often symbolizes a return to the entrenched power dynamics that many voters are eager to dismantle.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

Columns

Fela, Seun Kuti, Wizkid and the Erratic Beliefs of The Generation Zees in Nigeria

Published

16 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

My Binoculars:

Fela, Seun Kuti, Wizkid and the Erratic Beliefs of The Generation Zees in Nigeria

By: Bodunrin Kayode

One of the most unintelligent discussions I have heard in recent times is the comparison of a human institution like Fela Kuti to any ordinary individual. It sounds so dumb, awkward and misplaced that sometimes one wonders why so called “right thinking people” wander into such useless discussions like the impulsive Z generation known popularly as genzees. Most generation Zee fellows are adventurous and misuse communication using the latest Ai technology which makes them to assume they are smarter than even the millennials, born before 2000 who are much more closer to them than the generation X which reigned long after legends like Fela Kuti was born.

This is because they can make enormous amounts of money through music or any crafts with the help of the AI technology. Those who find themselves in the culture, art and music are the worse because they become millionaires by just talking or singing any rubbish like they do in the contemporary music at times and it is called “content” fit for consumption. Some even use very foul languages not fit for the airspace yet unfit presenters and uneducated DJ’s call them influencers following after the way of the west where all manner of crude and uncouth behavioral pattern becomes the norm. There is no reason for the comparison of Fela a “baby boomer” to a restless kid like Wizkid. It is an abomination and should never happen under the sun. It’s a sin for anyone to make such comparison because Fela is the founder of the genre of the music most of the genzee musicians are singing today. How does an angel or a mere mortal compare himself to their Creator? Such thoughts should not be allowed to take place at all. It’s disgusting.

Wizkid’s obscene challenge of Fela’s position as the founder of afro beat as it is known today

Imagine a badly influenced genzee element who calls himself Wizkid wakes up and suddenly realizes that he is actually an adult fit to contest superiority with an institution like Baba Fela Kuti. As far as some of us who witnessed the great “anikulapo” Kuti first hand in his shrine can remember, Wizkid was not born when Fela challenged ruthless military authorities to account for their wicked deeds against the people. Consequently, it is really needless for even Seun Kuti to be in a hurry to defend the larger than life pedigree of his father. That too will be heavy for Seun to stand up, carry on his head and defend. He should have allowed all those who were mentees of Fela to get up and take up verbal arms against attention seeking detractors led by this Wiz Pekin way nor know say the thing way elders de see at the foot of a palm tree e nor go see am at all even if he climbs up to the top of the tree. It is often said in Yoruba language that ” Atari ajanaku kii se ewu omode” meaning that the head of an elephant is not the kind of load a child can carry.” And this is for Wizkid who has refused to grow up. Fela’s daughter aunty Yeni and Femi Kuti have placed it succinctly in recent responses to the altercation between Seun and WizKid. And the summary of what they said is that it was pointless fighting for someone who became an institution long before his demise. And long before Wizkid was born or started imitating the nuances of Baba Fela in the name of Afro beat. Fela was idolized by millions of mentees all over the world and we don’t need to ask the family to produce evidence of this. That history was removed from the curriculum of genzees making it difficult for them to understand the past is not their fault. It is a calculated plot of the oligarchs who have an agenda and would not want even millennials to remember who was Funmilayo Ransome Kuti the mother of Fela and what role she played in raw activism against the jack boots of colonialists in Nigeria.

Abani Eda, the deity who walked around with death in his pocket

Fela regarded himself as the ” abani Eda” the strange one who changed his name from Ransome Kuti to Anikulapo Kuti meaning he walked around with death in his pocket. That itself was a dangerous threat to the military who hunted him day and night looking for faults to kill him. He never gave them the opportunity to humiliate or intimidate him even after killing his mother Fumilayo Ransom Kuti whom they thought was his spiritual backbone. Rather, it made Fela more daring and horned the activist in him further. Incarceration equally never broke him because that is always the bottom line of any dictatorial government involved in repressive tendencies.

Regardless of what anyone thinks, Fela Kuti was not just an individual that can be messed around with but a deity of some sorts who fought the deadliest battles in his life against injustice. A man that built the foundation for a genre of music which is now called “afro beat” today and one badly brought up genzee brat just wakes up to name drop and equate himself to Fela the oracle of afro beat in the whole world..it’s so insulting and unintelligent of him to even conceive this kind of talk about “I big pass your papa” “or i get money pass your papa” while thrashing a beef with Seun Kuti. It was arrant nonsense that should never be allowed to be prolonged afterwards Fela reached out to the entire world with his popular pidgin English lyrics which dominated even interviews with international news media houses. Of a truth, this talk about who is greater should not even arise because it is uncalled for, insulting and a dangerous mark of disrespect against the iconic statue of Fela Kuti.

For young people like Wizkid who do not know who Fela is, they should go take a look into his background because none of them were born when Fela dared to speak to power including military governments which was in vogue in Nigeria before 2000 when the generation zees started coming into this world.
My advice to the Kuti Family is to ignore the young man because we all know about his dangerous genzee influencing roles and exigencies way beyond what Fela would have tolerated in his Ikeja Shrine.

Fela, Seun Kuti, Wizkid and the Erratic Beliefs of The Generation Zees in Nigeria

Columns

Anatomy of Electronic Platforms: The Honey Badger Attitudes/Character

Published

2 days ago

February 14, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Anatomy of Electronic Platforms: The Honey Badger Attitudes/Character

By: Balami Lazarus

As a young boy I have heard of this small-sized animal, the honey badger, called “Dagi” in the Hausa language, that belongs to the Mustelidae family of otters, weasels, ferrets, and a few others of its kind. It has a white, single stripe pattern on its back. Honey badgers are rated the most fearless animal on earth today, its size notwithstanding. It has no respect for territorial boundaries or the privacy of other animals in the wild.

Honey badgers move and hunt freely at any point in time. They are known for their large appetite; anything goes for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Honey juice and snacks are their favorites. Honey badgers fight other animals without hesitation, undermining the consequences. This is the behavior and activities of some individuals on their platforms.

The pictures painted in words are typical of the anatomy of some electronic platforms in this age of digital systems, where many more honey badgers have emerged.

I am a member of some platforms and am writing this piece from experience. As a groping participant of my platform who always tried to make meaningful contributions with glitches of qualitative and educative postings in an attempt to facilitate the free flow of information among members of my group.

Social platforms have made it easier for the free flow of ideas and information accessible to every member of the group, with information at his fingertips.

Platforms that are not properly organized or are not professionally inclined in accordance with their professions, trades, or vocations are always overtaken and controlled by members with the character and attitudes of honey badgers.

Electronic platforms are supposed to be a place where members are informed/receive good information or put on notice.

While bereavements, ailments, and other unfortunate postings are the traffic of some electronics platforms. More so, some are flooded with all such birthdays—humans and animals. In fact, some members are known for soliciting birthday wishes. Without apology, many are birthday beggars: “I am one today; celebrate with me.”

I pray leadership of platforms that are faced with such viruses should endeavor to make corrections to achieve their objectives.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist. 08036779290

Anatomy of Electronic Platforms: The Honey Badger Attitudes/Character

Columns

Hausa-Fulani is a political coinage created for Arewa numerical strength

Published

1 week ago

February 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Hausa-Fulani is a political coinage created for Arewa numerical strength

By: Balami Lazarus

For some time I have been reflecting on Hausa-Fulani as a self-created ethnic body that has no place in the history of Nigerian ethnic composition. Because there has never been any ethnic group known as Hausa-Fulani combined. Fulanis are Fulanis, while Hausas are purely Hausas who are of the Maguzawa extraction, the true and original Hausa race.

Without any doubt, the Fulanis are an independent ethnic group with distinct and unique culture and traditions, likewise the Hausas as tribes.

When and how did the phrase “Hausa-Fulani” come into being? The concept is a systematic political merger coined purely for Arewa numerical strength. Besides, it has never been used for economic development and progress in the north, where it is domiciled.

The term has long been in use within the north as a magnet to pull the northern Talakawa-Hausa-Fulani masses together as one and the same ethnic group, just like the political ‘Mu Yar Arewa’ for the benefits of the ruling elites.

I would like to bring to your attention whether or not the concept is a deceptive ethnic coinage limited to and circulating within and around the Hausa land.

A prominent mass communication expert and journalist, Prof. Ahmad Gausu (1993), once said that no true-blooded Fulani man will ever carelessly or jokingly claim and address himself as a Hausa-Fulani man. In his words, “Fulanis are Fulanis, Hausas are Hausas.” These are entirely distinct ethnic groups with different cultures and traditions. The phrase was coined to attract an ethnic and political majority rather than social unity.”

The Hausas have no common heritage with the Fulanis, who speak Fulfulde.

For this reason, there has never been any cultural identity/source material in language, traditions, and/or history to suggest that. Pursuant to this, one can find a wide gap that separates and distinguishes them as different tribes.

The claimants of this deceptive political ethnic phrase are beginning to vehemently reject the usage and are going back to identifying with their original ethnic background. Unlike the Pabir people, who are offshoots of the Bura ethnic nation with no ethnic background, who had humbled themselves in Bura culture and traditions, which gave birth to what is known today as the Bura-Pabir ethnic identity.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist 08036779290

Hausa-Fulani is a political coinage created for Arewa numerical strength