Imo State
El-Rufai Calls for True Federalism, Electoral Reforms at Owerri Interactive Session
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has called for a renewed national consensus on federalism, electoral reform, and poverty eradication, urging Nigerians to “move forward together” in pursuit of peace, progress, and prosperity.
Speaking at an interactive session hosted by Right Honourable Nnaemeka Maduagwu in Owerri, ahead of the Odenigbo 2025 event of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, El-Rufai said Nigeria’s diversity can be harnessed for national development if anchored on merit, rule of law, equal citizenship, and a pragmatic economic agenda.
“Across our diversity, we can move forward together, united in a common endeavour for development and prosperity. In that quest for peace, progress and development, we need elite consensus,” he stated.
On Electoral Reforms
El-Rufai identified electoral credibility as one of the most urgent priorities for reform. He expressed concern over declining voter turnout, which fell below 30% in 2023, warning that citizen apathy could weaken democratic stability.
He strongly advocated for the adoption of electronic voting and real-time transmission of results in the 2027 elections, noting that Kaduna State successfully deployed electronic voting during the 2018 and 2021 local government elections.
“Can we not agree to say farewell to electoral malfeasance by adopting electronic voting and transmission of results? There is adequate time for INEC to acquire and deploy the infrastructure to deliver this at a lower cost than our current unreliable system,” he said.
On Governance and Political Culture
El-Rufai criticized Nigeria’s political class for focusing more on the arithmetic of power than on governance. He called for a shift towards policies that address poverty, job creation, and social services rather than patronage and rent-seeking.
He stressed that Nigeria must adopt a clear roadmap to end mass poverty, pointing out that there are more poor Nigerians today than at independence. Drawing lessons from China and India, he urged for pragmatic but ambitious policies that reward productivity and discourage corruption.
On Federalism and Security
Reaffirming his long-held stance on restructuring, El-Rufai argued that Nigeria’s over-centralized system undermines its diversity and development potential.
“This country was founded as a federation, but it appears that there are very few committed federalists in Nigeria. More powers, resources and responsibilities should be devolved to the states, including policing,” he said.
He welcomed constitutional amendments allowing states to participate in electricity and railway development but urged further implementation of the 2018 APC Committee on True Federalism, which he chaired.
On security, El-Rufai called for decentralization of policing and stronger investments in education, healthcare, and job creation to address the roots of instability.
National Unity and Call to Action
Concluding his remarks, El-Rufai called on Nigerians to rise above divisive politics and unite around merit, competence, and a shared vision of development.
“We have amused ourselves for far too long in ruinous divisions. We do not have to wallow in that mud of stagnation. My hope is that Nigerians will unite in a common endeavour for national prosperity and development. We have the capacity to be better than we are,” he said.
The session was attended by prominent leaders including Nnaemeka Maduagwu, Jasper Azuatalam, and Uche Diala.
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