Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbored a personal dislike for him during their time in the All Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufai made this known in an exclusive conversation during the Prime Time programme on Arise Television, aired on Monday. In the interview, the former governor clarified his political alignment within the party, emphasizing his close affiliation with former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he referred to as his political mentor and ally. “Bola Tinubu never really liked me, and we never truly got along. In the party, I was known as Buhari’s boy,” El-Rufai disclosed. He further noted that his stronger relationship in the party was with Chief Bisi Akande, the former Osun State Governor and a founding member of the APC. El-Rufai described Akande affectionately as “Baba Akande”, underscoring the cordial bond they shared. “The person I connected well with was Baba Akande,” he added during the broadcast. Delving deeper into Nigeria’s electoral framework, El-Rufai also expressed skepticism regarding the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), specifically under the chairmanship of Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu. He voiced doubt over the commission’s willingness to register a new coalition political party. In comparing the leadership styles and political will of past and present electoral commission heads, El-Rufai praised Prof. Attahiru Jega, who served as INEC Chairman during the registration of the APC. He implied that Jega demonstrated greater impartiality and administrative openness during his tenure. El-Rufai previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Olusegun Obasanjo, making him one of the few political figures with experience under multiple administrations. His recent commentary sheds light on ongoing tensions within the APC and paints a clearer picture of the internal political dynamics and personal relationships that continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic space.
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 READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
