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Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has refuted claims suggesting his support for a Southern presidential candidate in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

Reports circulating on social media accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain of abandoning one of the party’s presidential hopefuls, Atiku Abubakar, who hails from the North, asserting that it is now the South's turn.

The reports implied that El-Rufai might be endorsing the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

However, in a statement released on Monday, El-Rufai labeled the reports as an “unfounded claim, despite its widespread circulation.”

He denied having made such statements in any of his speeches, interviews, or social media posts.

“I have my own verifiable platforms on social media where I express my thoughts and opinions,” he stated.

The former governor emphasized that “no views should be attributed to me unless I explicitly express them on my social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media outlets.”

“It is also inappropriate to attribute opinion articles from other authors, which I may share on my handles as a contribution to the national discourse, to me. These clarifications are vital as we tackle both irresponsible politicking and the intentional misuse of social media for disseminating false information.”

“The deliberate attribution of claims I did not make by a fake news platform does not warrant giving such platforms any credibility.”

“In this era of chaos and misinformation, the essential duty to verify information before sharing has become increasingly important.”

“In this case, a few senior editors appear to have neglected this responsibility. Society suffers when media leaders engage with the most irresponsible actors on social media in a detrimental contest of fiction and deceit. Everyone must uphold their responsibilities.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Nasir El-Rufai say about the reports?

He described the reports as unfounded and denied making any statements supporting a Southern presidential candidate.

What platforms does El-Rufai use to express his views?

He has his own verified social media platforms where he shares his thoughts and opinions.

What does El-Rufai say about media responsibility?

He emphasizes the importance of verifying information before posting and criticizes media leaders for failing in this duty.