I saw it days ago when El-Rufai denied; he lacked courage to say he wanted to be president—Yakubu Datti

The political landscape in Nigeria was set abuzz on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following comments by Yakubu Datti on the political intentions of Nasir El-Rufai. Speaking during a televised interview on TVC News, Datti analysed what he described as El-Rufai’s apparent reluctance to openly declare his ambitions for the presidency.

Datti’s remarks come at a time of intense political scrutiny in Nigeria, where speculation about the aspirations of senior politicians has reached new heights amid the country’s evolving political dynamics. The former Plateau State Information Commissioner suggested that El-Rufai’s public statements and appearances have displayed a hesitancy that raises questions about his courage to pursue the nation’s highest office openly.

“I saw it days ago when Mallam El-Rufai denied it; he didn’t have the courage to say he wanted to be president,” Datti said during the interview. “Nuhu Ribadu had contested for president of Nigeria in the past. So there’s no comparison whatsoever.”

According to Datti, the contrast between El-Rufai and other political figures who have pursued presidential ambitions openly is stark. He emphasized that when leaders hesitate to articulate their intentions clearly, it fuels public speculation and can undermine their credibility within political circles.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, remains a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and maintains influence across northern Nigeria and within the party’s national structure. Analysts say that his careful and sometimes ambiguous public positioning has often been interpreted as strategic caution, though it has also drawn criticism from observers who argue that political transparency is essential in a functioning democracy.

Datti further noted, “Declaring political intentions is not just a personal choice; it is a responsibility to party members and the electorate. Ambiguity may offer short-term advantage, but in the long run, it erodes trust and confidence.”

His observations have already sparked debate across media platforms and social networks, with some commentators agreeing that El-Rufai’s reluctance reflects a lack of boldness, while others argue that strategic ambiguity is a common political tool in a competitive environment…. Discover More News

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