El-Rufai Clarifies: Tinubu, Not NASS, Blocked My Ministerial Appointment

El-Rufai Reveals Tinubu Blocked His Ministerial Appointment, Not the National Assembly

In a recent interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, set the record straight, revealing that President Bola Tinubu—not the National Assembly (NASS)—was responsible for his exclusion from the ministerial list.

El-Rufai firmly dismissed the widespread claims that the Senate rejected his nomination over alleged security concerns. “The National Assembly had no part in this decision. It was purely the president’s call,” El-Rufai stated.

As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai expressed frustration over the party’s current direction. He criticized its leadership, highlighting how core party organs have been inactive since Tinubu assumed office.

“I’m deeply concerned about the APC’s stagnation. The party was built on progressive ideals and internal democracy, but since President Tinubu took office, none of its critical organs have been active. Two years down the line, there’s no real pursuit of the party’s founding principles,” El-Rufai emphasized.

The former governor recounted his extensive negotiations with Tinubu before the 2023 elections, where the president personally sought his support and promised him a ministerial role—on specific conditions. However, Tinubu later withdrew the offer without explanation.

“After leaving office, President Tinubu publicly asked for my backing. I agreed, with no personal demands. Despite two months of talks leading to a ministerial nomination promise, the president changed his mind. Let me be clear—there was no interference from the National Assembly,” El-Rufai clarified.

Addressing the supposed security concerns that allegedly hindered his appointment, El-Rufai challenged the narrative, stating, “What security report? If there was an issue, where is the documented evidence? Others, with less experience, were approved because the president made a simple call. He’s human, and he can change his mind, but let’s not spread falsehoods.”

This revelation sheds light on the complex political dynamics within Nigeria’s ruling party and highlights growing concerns about internal governance under Tinubu’s administration. Arise TV’s official interview