I Wasn’t Denied Ministerial Post, Tinubu Begged Me To Work With Him — El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has clarified that he never sought a ministerial position in the government of President Bola Tinubu, despite attending the ministerial screening. He stated that he was urged by President Tinubu to join his administration to help achieve his vision for a stable power supply.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai explained, “Some think I left because I wasn’t appointed as a minister, but I never asked for that position. I went for screening because the President begged me to work with him. He came to me in Kaduna and we discussed his vision for steady power supply, and he asked me to help him achieve that. I thought he was serious at the time.”

El-Rufai also dismissed speculations that his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by personal ambition or unmet expectations from the Tinubu administration. He emphasized that he did not regret supporting Tinubu, although he expressed disappointment.

“I do not regret supporting him, but I feel disappointed. The reason I don’t regret it is because of two factors. First, Yoruba leaders from the South-West came to me in Kaduna, explaining that Muslim politicians in their region were facing political challenges. That was why I supported Tinubu. Secondly, we had agreed that in 2023, the presidency should shift to the South to promote fairness and justice in the country,” El-Rufai explained.

Regarding his resignation from the APC, El-Rufai confirmed that his decision was made with the knowledge and consent of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He stated, “I left APC with his knowledge. On Friday, I went to him and told him that I was leaving the party because I do not take any major political decision without informing him. Even when I was governor of Kaduna and wanted to appoint commissioners, I sent him the list to review and ensure there was no one who had insulted him in the past. After reviewing it, he said there was no problem and prayed for success. I always consult him before making any major decision.”

El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, recently announced his resignation from the ruling party, citing disappointment with its leadership. He accused the APC of deviating from its progressive ideals and said his warnings about the party’s trajectory over the past two years had been ignored.

When asked whether he has a political godfather, El-Rufai acknowledged Buhari’s influence but refused to name others. “I have political associates whom I consult before making decisions. If they advise me to drop a plan, I do so. My first political mentor is Muhammadu Buhari. I won’t mention the others because if I do, people will start pressuring them,” he said.

El-Rufai also expressed frustration with the APC, describing it as a party that has abandoned its founding principles in favor of personal gain. “APC has neglected the people. Everyone is looking out for their personal interests and making money. The government has turned into a business, where everything has a price. There is no justice. The party does not even recognize those who worked hard for it,” he said.

He further lamented that appointments within the APC have been dominated by people from Lagos. “For every appointment, they only pick people from Lagos. The party is dead. That is why I consulted Tunde Bakare, Buhari, Abdullahi Adamu, Adams Oshiomhole, and Bisi Akande before making my decision,” El-Rufai concluded.