A former Kaduna State governorship candidate, Hayatuddeen Lawal Makarfi, has described former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished reformers, arguing that the country cannot afford to sideline his experience and leadership ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement titled “The Reformer’s Dividend: Why Nigeria Cannot Afford to Waste the El-Rufai Investment,” Makarfi said El-Rufai’s record in public service, spanning the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Kaduna State, demonstrated his capacity to drive institutional reforms and economic transformation.
He highlighted El-Rufai’s role in Nigeria’s telecommunications liberalisation during his tenure at the BPE, describing it as a foundation for the country’s digital economy. He also credited him with introducing the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and enforcing the Abuja Master Plan while serving as FCT Minister.
According to Makarfi, El-Rufai’s eight-year administration in Kaduna State was marked by reforms in education, public finance, infrastructure development and local government administration, which he said strengthened institutions and promoted accountability.
The former governorship candidate further argued that Nigeria’s current economic and governance challenges require leaders with proven reform credentials, noting that El-Rufai had consistently demonstrated the political will to implement difficult but necessary policies.
Makarfi also reflected on what he described as the personal sacrifices made by El-Rufai and his family during more than two decades of public service, insisting that his contributions to nation-building should not be overshadowed by political disagreements.
He maintained that Nigeria stands to benefit from El-Rufai’s experience and reform-oriented leadership, urging political actors and citizens to view him as a valuable national asset rather than a casualty of partisan battles.
Describing himself as a mentee of the former governor, Makarfi said El-Rufai remains a symbol of institutional rebuilding and effective governance, adding that the country needs leaders capable of pursuing long-term reforms despite political resistance.
