…Says he can redeem, unify Nigeria
The El-Rufai Solidarity Movement (ESM) has been officially inaugurated in Imo State, with its leadership expressing confidence in former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar’s capacity to redeem Nigeria and foster national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place in Owerri, the Imo State capital, attracted members of the movement, including politicians, professionals and technocrats committed to its political, economic and social objectives.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting, the National Secretary, Contact and Mobilisation of ESM, Amb. Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, explained that the movement was established to promote unwavering solidarity, loyalty and commitment to its National Leader, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State.
He stated that the ESM is also committed to mobilising like-minded citizens and providing a platform through which members could exercise their political choices, including supporting presidential candidates of their preference during the 2027 general elections and beyond.
According to Eluwa, “Where El-Rufai is, that is where we are going. He is a man of integrity who loves humanity and has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s political, economic, social and infrastructural development.
“His current detention cannot diminish our unwavering support and solidarity. Rather, it has further strengthened our resolve and increased the commitment of his followers.
“The circumstances surrounding his detention have energised and united members of the Movement, reinforcing our determination to stand firmly with him.
“His visit to Imo State before his arrest clearly demonstrated the affection and acceptance he enjoys among the people of the state, who received him warmly.”
Eluwa, who reaffirmed his commitment to El-Rufai’s political vision and quest for a better Nigeria, called on Nigerians of good conscience to identify with the Movement’s ideals, describing El-Rufai’s political philosophy as one capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Also speaking, the South-East Leader of ESM, Osita Christopher Nduka, appealed to the people of Imo State and the entire South-East region to support and vote for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2027 general elections.
Nduka described Atiku as a visionary and unifying leader with the experience and political capacity to address Nigeria’s prevailing challenges, including poverty, insecurity, unemployment, social discontent and economic hardship.
“We are standing firmly with our leader, El-Rufai, in support of the Atiku/Amaechi ticket. Atiku is a unifier, visionary and magnanimous leader. Nigeria needs someone who can bring the country together because no nation can achieve sustainable prosperity without unity,” Nduka stated.
Nduka further pledged to discharge his responsibilities diligently and work harmoniously with other members of the Movement to achieve its objectives.
Nduka emphasised that ESM would remain active beyond the 2027 general elections, stressing that the Movement was not established to challenge or undermine any political party.
He clarified that ESM was an independent political mobilisation organisation with clearly defined political, economic and social interests, while maintaining its commitment to its principal, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
In his vote of thanks, the ESM Imo State Leader, Hon. Gozie Ekeogu, described the Movement as a formidable political structure founded on loyalty, commitment and collective purpose.
He assured members that the Imo State chapter would remain steadfast and uncompromising in pursuing the Movement’s objectives, stressing that its loyalty to the National Leader, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, remains unwavering.
The inauguration marks another step in the expansion of the El-Rufai Solidarity Movement’s organisational structure, as it seeks to strengthen its presence across states and mobilise support around its political ideals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
