Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has spoken out in a candid interview on Arise Television, addressing issues...
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has spoken out in a candid interview on Arise Television, addressing issues surrounding his ministerial rejection, political challenges, and the state of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Here are the major highlights from the interview:
1. Tinubu, Not the Senate, Blocked His Ministerial Nomination
El-Rufai disclosed that it was President Bola Tinubu who decided against his appointment as a minister, not the Senate. He clarified that while the Senate had no objections, the final decision came from the President.
2. Corruption Allegations Against Him Are Politically Motivated
The former governor dismissed accusations of corruption made by the Kaduna State House of Assembly under Governor Uba Sani, describing them as baseless and driven by political interests.
3. Tinubu’s Appointments Are About Politics, Not Ethnicity
El-Rufai refuted claims that Tinubu’s ministerial appointments were based on ethnic favoritism. Instead, he argued that the President prioritized political loyalty over ethnic considerations.
4. APC Is Now Dysfunctional
He lamented that the APC, once a strong and disciplined party, has lost its structure and coordination, making it ineffective in governance and political organization.
5. Nuhu Ribadu and Uba Sani Are Targeting Him
El-Rufai accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Governor Uba Sani of orchestrating a campaign to sideline him politically, suggesting they were working against his national influence.
6. Buhari Did Not Endorse Any APC Presidential Candidate
Contrary to speculation, El-Rufai stated that former President Muhammadu Buhari remained neutral during the APC presidential primaries and did not back any particular candidate.
7. He Has No Interest in Returning to Politics
El-Rufai made it clear that he has moved on from politics and is satisfied with his life outside public office, expressing no regrets about stepping away.
8. Kaduna’s Debt Concerns Are Being Politicized
He defended his administration’s borrowing, stating that all loans taken under his leadership were for infrastructure projects with structured repayment plans.
9. Tinubu Can Still Improve His Appointments
Despite criticizing the President’s choices, El-Rufai expressed hope that Tinubu could still make adjustments to ensure a more balanced representation in governance.
10. He Is Focused on His Private Life and Business
The former governor stated that he is currently dedicating his time to personal and business ventures, with no immediate plans to re-enter active politics.
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