From: Lydia Zakka
In an exclusive interview with Arise TV, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, shed light on a range of topics, from party politics and leadership to personal relationships and the ongoing investigations concerning his tenure. Below are the key highlights from his conversation, providing a deeper understanding of his perspectives on current political dynamics.
1. Absence from APC Caucus Meeting El-Rufai confirmed that he would not be attending the APC Caucus meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Despite this, he reassured that his trusted allies would represent him at the meeting, explaining that his prior travel commitments to Cairo had been planned well in advance. This absence stirred curiosity, as political meetings are often seen as crucial for shaping the party’s direction.
2. Party Leadership and Qualifications Speaking on party politics, El-Rufai emphasized that while anyone can join a political party, leadership roles are determined by qualifications, values, and contributions. He underscored that this principle was applied in his administration of Kaduna State, where party leadership was aligned with the competence and loyalty of its members.
3. Support for Tinubu’s Presidency Reflecting on the 2023 presidential elections, El-Rufai revealed that he was initially indifferent about who would emerge as the party’s presidential candidate. However, once Bola Ahmed Tinubu became the APC flag bearer, he felt compelled to support him. He acknowledged that there were elements within the party who attempted to destabilize the support for Tinubu, but he and other Northern governors, including Babagana Zulum, managed to prevent these attempts. He emphasized that it was crucial for the APC flagbearer to be from the South, but left the decision of the candidate up to the Southern delegates.
4. 2027 Election and Future Consultations Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, El-Rufai revealed that he would adopt a similar approach to 2023 by consulting widely before throwing his support behind any candidate. He cited the consultations with President Buhari and key APC executives in Kaduna State as examples of how decisions were made in the past.
5. Discrepancies in Appointments El-Rufai addressed the controversy surrounding appointments made by President Tinubu, acknowledging that while the balance may not be perfect, the issue was not a matter of ethnic favoritism. He made it clear that the appointments were not driven by a Yoruba agenda but were instead aimed at rewarding close allies and associates who had supported Tinubu throughout his political journey.
6. Strained Relationships with Uba Sani and Nuhu Ribadu The former governor made waves by revealing the breakdown of his long-standing friendships with Uba Sani, now the Governor of Kaduna State, and Nuhu Ribadu, former EFCC Chairman. He stated that while he had been close to both men in the past, their relationships had soured due to their actions. El-Rufai mentioned that friendships should be based on mutual support, particularly in times of need, and he felt betrayed by both individuals. He went on to accuse Nuhu Ribadu of leading efforts, in collaboration with Uba Sani, to tarnish his reputation through the ongoing investigations.
7. Investigations and Allegations of Corruption El-Rufai responded to the recent claims made by the Kaduna State Assembly regarding allegations of misappropriated funds during his administration. He expressed skepticism, pointing out that the Assembly did not specify details on the alleged financial irregularities. He further clarified that neither the ICPC nor the EFCC had found any evidence to substantiate these claims after conducting thorough investigations. He urged his former commissioners to remain calm, asserting that no funds had been siphoned under his leadership.
8. Political Ambitions of Nuhu Ribadu El-Rufai did not hold back when discussing Nuhu Ribadu’s ambitions, stating that Ribadu harbored plans to run for the presidency in 2031. He suggested that Ribadu’s involvement in the ongoing investigations against him was part of a calculated effort to destroy his reputation in preparation for his own political aspirations.
However, El-Rufai’s interview revealed a candid and often critical perspective on both his personal and professional experiences. His comments reflect the complex political landscape within Nigeria’s ruling party and provide valuable insights into the dynamics that continue to shape the nation's governance and political alliances.
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