Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has clarified that his reported rift with President Bola Tinubu was not personal but rooted in a fundamental clash of governance philosophy. In an interview, El-Rufai stated, “I was never Tinubu’s friend,” explaining his initial support was a principled backing for a southern Muslim candidate, not a personal endorsement.
He asserted that while he campaigned for Tinubu as the party’s nominee, their differences are irreconcilable, describing Tinubu’s administration as focused on enriching itself, contrary to his own principles of public service.
Key Points:
The public gains insight into the ideological and personal dynamics within the ruling party’s top echelon.
The open criticism could influence political alignments and public perception of the administration’s integrity.
A prominent northern figure distances himself from the government’s core ethos, while framing himself as a principled outsider.
The statement reveals the deep, philosophical fractures beneath the surface of the ruling party’s unity.
The clarification comes after prolonged speculation, positioning El-Rufai for a potential role as an internal critic or opposition figure.
El-Rufai’s candid remarks expose significant ideological divisions within the APC, framing his departure from the inner circle as a matter of principle rather than personal fallout.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria
