In an explosive interview on Monday, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, set the record straight regarding his absence from President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial list, claiming that it was not the National Assembly that rejected his nomination, but the president himself.
Speaking candidly on Arise TV’s Prime Time, El-Rufai refuted the widespread claim that the Senate had blocked his appointment over security concerns. The former governor, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), boldly accused President Tinubu of withdrawing his ministerial nomination and keeping him out of his cabinet.
“Tinubu, not the National Assembly, stopped my appointment”
The drama surrounding El-Rufai’s absence from the list of Tinubu’s ministers has sparked controversy for weeks, with various speculations about why the former governor, widely seen as a close ally of Tinubu, was excluded. Some reports suggested that security concerns raised by the National Assembly played a role in his exclusion. However, El-Rufai was unequivocal in his response to these claims.
“The National Assembly had nothing to do with it, the president didn’t want me in his cabinet,” El-Rufai asserted during the televised interview. He went on to challenge the assertion that his exclusion had anything to do with security issues, calling it a baseless narrative.
“What was the security issue the National Assembly had against me? Where is the report?” El-Rufai questioned. “There were far less qualified, less experienced individuals who were confirmed. This was a decision that came from the president and no one else.”
The Road to Nomination and Sudden Reversal
In an unexpected twist, El-Rufai revealed that his exclusion was the result of a breakdown in negotiations between himself and President Tinubu. He explained that after leaving office as Kaduna governor, he had pledged his support to Tinubu’s presidential bid, despite not seeking any personal gain. According to El-Rufai, following this pledge, Tinubu personally approached him, asking for his support in forming the cabinet and assuring him of a ministerial appointment.
“I’m a self-made man, I don’t need anything,” El-Rufai emphasized. “Through two months of negotiations, we finally agreed that I would be nominated as a minister, but there were certain conditions I attached to that.”
The details of these conditions were not fully revealed, but it is clear that El-Rufai was prepared to serve, on the condition that certain issues were addressed. However, he expressed disappointment that, as the process moved forward, Tinubu seemed to backtrack on the earlier agreement.
“Along the line, either the president changed his mind, or circumstances forced him to do so,” El-Rufai reflected. “But please, don’t believe the story that the National Assembly rejected me; they had nothing to do with it.”
Frustration with APC Leadership
Beyond the issue of his ministerial nomination, El-Rufai also took the opportunity to air his grievances about the leadership of the APC under Tinubu. The former governor, who was a founding member of the party, expressed concerns over what he perceives as a lack of direction and activity within the party’s ranks.
“As a founding member of the APC, I have concerns about how the party is being run,” El-Rufai lamented. “Two years after Tinubu became president, none of the party organs is functioning. The progressive ideals that we fought for are not being pursued with any vigor.”
He further criticized the party’s failure to live up to its promises, citing the absence of the democratic structures that once distinguished the APC from other political parties in Nigeria. For El-Rufai, the party’s dysfunctionality under Tinubu’s leadership is a far cry from the vision he and other founding members had for the APC.
Reactions from Political Analysts and APC Members
El-Rufai’s comments have sparked intense debate among political analysts and members of the APC. Some view his revelations as a candid and necessary acknowledgment of a growing rift within the party, while others are concerned that this public airing of grievances could deepen existing divisions.
Dr. Akin Adedeji, a political analyst, commented on the interview: “El-Rufai’s statements shed light on the internal dynamics of the APC, revealing that not all is well within the party. His claims about the president’s change of mind regarding his ministerial appointment raise serious questions about the level of communication and trust between key political figures.”
On the other hand, some members of the APC have expressed concern that El-Rufai’s outburst could alienate supporters and create unnecessary distractions for the government. A source close to the presidency, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the former governor’s remarks as “unfortunate” and hoped that it would not become a recurring issue.
El-Rufai’s Legacy and Future in Politics
Despite the tensions surrounding his relationship with Tinubu, El-Rufai remains a key figure in Nigerian politics. His tenure as governor of Kaduna State was marked by significant reforms, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, and governance. While his policies often attracted criticism from opposition figures, they were widely regarded as bold and transformative.
In light of the ongoing friction within the APC, many are wondering what role El-Rufai will play in the future of Nigerian politics. Will he continue to support Tinubu, or will he forge a new political path? His comments about the APC and Tinubu suggest that the former governor may be preparing for a political shift.
For now, it remains unclear whether El-Rufai will mend his relationship with the president or continue to criticize the leadership of the APC. However, his interview has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire of political speculation and intrigue within the Nigerian political landscape.
Conclusion
Nasir El-Rufai’s recent interview has laid bare the tensions within Nigeria’s ruling party, the APC, and provided a glimpse into the complex dynamics between President Bola Tinubu and his close allies. With his revelations about his ministerial nomination, El-Rufai has confirmed suspicions that the president, not the National Assembly, was the primary force behind his exclusion from the cabinet. While his criticism of the APC’s leadership is certain to stir debate, it is clear that El-Rufai’s political journey is far from over. Whether he remains loyal to Tinubu or takes a different path, one thing is for sure: his voice will continue to resonate in Nigerian politics.
