From: Daure David
On the occasion of his 65th birthday, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the complex and often tumultuous political journey of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, who is known for his fiery rhetoric, reformist zeal, and an unyielding stance on governance. From an influential technocrat to a prominent political figure, El-Rufai's career has been marked by both admiration and controversy.
A Visionary or a Tyrant?
Born in 1960, El-Rufai’s rise to prominence began in the Nigerian civil service and later as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration. During his tenure in the FCT, he was credited with several urban development projects that transformed Abuja’s skyline. His policies, while groundbreaking, were also criticized for their harshness and lack of regard for the people who were displaced in the name of “development.”
After his tenure at the FCT, El-Rufai transitioned into the political arena, eventually becoming the Governor of Kaduna State in 2015. His governance style in Kaduna was no less controversial. Known for his hard-nosed approach to development and governance, El-Rufai was often accused of disregarding the concerns of traditional and political elites. He prioritized economic reforms and infrastructural development while promoting a no-nonsense approach to corruption and inefficiency.
The APC Drama: El-Rufai vs. His Former Allies
However, as time passed, El-Rufai’s once unassailable hold on the politics of Kaduna began to wane. His political allies, some of whom were instrumental in his rise to power, gradually distanced themselves from his leadership. Notable among these figures were Sen. Shehu Sani, Sen. Danjuma La’ah, and Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi. The three Senators, who had once been key supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and had aligned themselves with El-Rufai, became disillusioned with his leadership.
In a now-infamous rally in Kaduna, El-Rufai hurled insults at these Senators over the issue of foreign loans, a policy he championed during his time in office. The fallout from this public feud was significant, as the Senators—former allies—shifted their allegiance to the APC, the very party El-Rufai had once controlled with near-total authority in the state.
In politics, loyalty can be a double-edged sword, and El-Rufai’s once-strong alliances in Kaduna unraveled, giving rise to the emergence of a new political alliance. The trio of Senators has now come together, united in their shared objective of ousting El-Rufai’s influence from the state. With the rise of these political rivals, El-Rufai’s dominance over Kaduna’s political landscape is no longer guaranteed.
A Leader in Transition
Despite these challenges, El-Rufai remains a formidable force in Nigerian politics. His bold and uncompromising nature, combined with his technical expertise, has earned him admirers and detractors alike. His legacy as the architect of several significant infrastructural projects in Kaduna and his commitment to anti-corruption initiatives cannot be easily dismissed. However, his leadership style has also come under scrutiny, with many accusing him of ruling with an iron fist.
As El-Rufai celebrates his 65th birthday, his story serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of politics, where allegiances shift, former allies become adversaries, and the true nature of power is often fleeting. It is clear that, while El-Rufai may have once reigned supreme in Kaduna, the winds of political change are blowing, and new forces are challenging his once unchallenged influence.
A Legacy Still in the Making
On this milestone birthday, one can only wonder what the future holds for Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Will he continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, or has his time at the helm come to an end? Whatever the answer, El-Rufai’s journey remains one of the most fascinating and polarizing in the history of Nigerian politics.
Happy 65th birthday to a man whose legacy is still being written, in the midst of political upheavals and changing allegiances.
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