In a recent interview with Arise News, former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, broke his silence on the controversy surrounding his failed ministerial appointment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. El-Rufai revealed that contrary to popular belief, his nomination was not rejected by the National Assembly due to security concerns but was rather a result of the president changing his mind.
El-Rufai’s Political Influence and APC Involvement
El-Rufai, a well-known Nigerian politician and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has held significant positions, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises. He played a critical role in Tinubu’s presidential campaign, expressing strong support during the election. However, the political landscape has since shifted, leading to tensions between El-Rufai and the APC leadership.
According to the former governor, the APC was formed to combat corruption, rebuild Nigeria’s economy, and enhance national security. However, he lamented that the party has abandoned these objectives under the current administration. He expressed concerns over the lack of internal democracy within the APC and criticized its failure to hold meetings or align government policies with the party’s founding ideals.
El-Rufai’s Ministerial Nomination and Rejection
Addressing the speculation surrounding his failed ministerial nomination, El-Rufai firmly denied reports that the National Assembly rejected him due to security concerns. He clarified:
“Please don’t believe the story that the National Assembly rejected me. The National Assembly had nothing to do with this. The president didn’t want me in his cabinet; he changed his mind. Whatever the reason, frankly, I don’t care, and I moved on.”
El-Rufai explained that he had initially declined President Tinubu’s offer to serve in the cabinet, as he planned to take a break from politics after his tenure as governor. However, Tinubu personally appealed to him, leading to prolonged discussions and an eventual agreement. Despite this, the president later withdrew his support, leaving El-Rufai sidelined.
Criticism of the APC and Potential Political Realignment
Since his exit from public office, El-Rufai has been vocal about the APC’s failure to function effectively. He has questioned why the party has not convened meetings for over two years and expressed concerns about its direction. While reaffirming his membership in the APC, he admitted that the party had left him stranded:
“I am not leaving the APC; the APC has already left me.”
In recent months, El-Rufai has been seen engaging with key figures from opposition parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This has fueled speculation about a potential political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Future Political Ambitions
Although he denied any immediate plans to leave the APC, El-Rufai hinted that he might seek an alternative platform if the party does not reform itself. When asked about the possibility of running for president in 2027, he dismissed the idea but acknowledged ongoing political consultations.
His remarks suggest that while he remains a key player in Nigeria’s political landscape, his future within the APC is uncertain. With the 2027 elections approaching, observers are keenly watching whether El-Rufai will remain in the ruling party or align with another political movement.
Conclusion
El-Rufai’s revelations shed light on the growing internal struggles within the APC and highlight the shifting political alliances ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential election. His criticism of the party’s leadership and policies signals potential cracks within the ruling party, raising questions about the future of the APC and Nigeria’s political landscape.
As tensions mount, whether El-Rufai will reconcile with the APC or chart a new political course remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that his influence and strategic positioning make him a key figure to watch in the coming years.
