Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, appeared on Arise TV’s Prime Time program today, breaking his silence since leaving office in May 2023.
This interview marked his first media engagement, drawing significant attention due to his claims about his failed ministerial nomination.
El-Rufai stated that President Bola Tinubu, not the national assembly, was responsible for his exclusion from the cabinet, challenging the prevailing narrative. This development is set against the backdrop of his nomination in July 2024 and the Senate’s decision in August 2024 to withhold confirmation, citing security clearance issues.
El-Rufai’s Detailed Statements
During the interview, el-Rufai emphasized, “Please don’t believe the story that the national assembly rejected me. The president did not want me in his cabinet. He changed his mind.” He elaborated that Tinubu had publicly appealed to him to put his plans on hold, and after two months of negotiation, they agreed he would be nominated as a minister, with certain conditions attached.
However, el-Rufai suggested that either Tinubu changed his mind or another factor intervened, leading to his nomination not proceeding. He dismissed the security clearance issue as a “good excuse,” noting that no such report has been publicly released, and highlighted his past role as a minister 20 years ago, indicating he does not need to be in politics and has a private life.
Historical Context: Nomination and Senate Action
President Bola Tinubu nominated el-Rufai among other ministerial candidates in July 2024, forwarding the list to the senate for screening and confirmation. The Senate confirmed most nominees but withheld el-Rufai’s nomination, along with Stella Okotete from Delta State and Danladi Abubakar from Taraba State, citing pending security clearance from the State Security Service (SSS).
This decision was interpreted as a strategic move to diminish el-Rufai’s influence within the presidency, given his significant role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his historical alliance with Tinubu.
Relationship Dynamics with President Tinubu
El-Rufai and Tinubu share a long-standing political relationship, particularly within the APC. El-Rufai was a key supporter during Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, advocating for a Southern candidate to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.
Their alliance appeared strong, but recent developments, including el-Rufai’s criticisms of the administration and this latest accusation, suggest a possible rift. This tension is further evidenced by el-Rufai’s recent public statements and his perceived distancing from Tinubu’s camp, potentially positioning him as a critic or future political opponent.
Analysis of Implications
El-Rufai’s claims raise significant questions about the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s ministerial nomination process. If substantiated, they imply that Tinubu may have used the senate as a proxy to reject el-Rufai, avoiding direct confrontation.
This could undermine public trust in the separation of powers and the independence of the national assembly. Furthermore, el-Rufai’s mention of negotiations and conditions adds a personal dimension to what is typically seen as a formal political process, highlighting the behind-the-scenes dynamics that influence such decisions.
The political fallout could affect the APC’s unity, especially as el-Rufai’s criticisms and potential opposition activities suggest internal dissent. This is particularly relevant ahead of future elections, where el-Rufai’s actions might influence party dynamics and voter perceptions. The security clearance issue, while officially cited, remains opaque, with no public disclosure of the SSS report, fueling speculation about its validity as a pretext.
Additional Context and Speculation
El-Rufai’s statements also reflect his current stance of not needing political office, emphasizing his private life and past contributions, such as his challenge to solve electricity problems, which he accepted at Tinubu’s behest. This suggests a shift in his political strategy, possibly preparing for a different role outside government. T
Analysts interpreted that the senate’s action to whittle down his influence aligns with his narrative of presidential rejection, adding weight to the idea of internal power struggles within the APC.
El-Rufai’s revelations highlight potential internal conflicts within the APC and raise questions about the nomination process’s transparency.
