Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made headlines with his candid remarks regarding President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Chicago certificate saga. Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa Service, El-Rufai did not shy away from addressing the concerns surrounding Tinubu’s past, stating, “We all know about his issues in Chicago.”
In his comments, El-Rufai expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s leadership, despite initial hopes based on his track record in Lagos. “What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges,” he said. “We thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.”
El-Rufai, who recently transitioned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), also reflected on his political journey and his relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. “I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him,” he explained.
He further reminisced about the political dynamics within Nigeria, stating, “When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right.” El-Rufai emphasized that his current alliance with Atiku demonstrates their shared goals, saying, “Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him why are we together now?”
In a hopeful tone, El-Rufai prayed for unity among opposition leaders, advocating for their collaboration within the SDP. “What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders— Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola— to join the SDP,” he concluded.
El-Rufai’s statements have sparked discussions on the political landscape in Nigeria, as the former governor continues to navigate his new path with the SDP.
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