Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai denies discussing any presidential plans and rules out joining the PDP amid speculation

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has addressed growing speculation about his potential presidential ambition, firmly stating that he has no current plans to contest for any political office.

Speaking on *Arise TV’s Prime Time* on Monday evening, El-Rufai acknowledged that while he is qualified to run for Nigeria’s presidency, he has never discussed such intentions with anyone.

“Anyone from the age of 35 with a secondary school certificate is qualified to run for president, so in that sense, I am qualified,” he said.

“But have I started talking to anybody about running for any office? No. I have never discussed that with anybody.”

Speculation about El-Rufai’s political future intensified following his recent meetings with opposition figures.

The former governor was seen engaging with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna and also met with former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Despite these meetings, El-Rufai dismissed suggestions that he might defect to the PDP. “PDP is not a party I would consider joining. I thought about it long ago and made my decision. Nothing has changed,” he clarified.