Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has stated that his reported differences with President Bola Tinubu are rooted in fundamental governance philosophy, not personal animosity. In a televised interview, El-Rufai clarified that he never shared a close personal bond with Tinubu, unlike his relationship with former President Muhammadu Buhari.
El-Rufai explained that his initial support for Tinubu’s presidential bid was based on a principle of regional power rotation within the All Progressives Congress (APC). As a founding party member and then-governor, he cited an understanding that the presidency would return to the South after Buhari’s two terms. “He was merely an accidental beneficiary,” El-Rufai said, noting his support was solicited by southwest Islamic leaders seeking a northern endorsement for a southern Muslim candidate.
Once Tinubu secured the APC nomination, El-Rufai affirmed his commitment to party unity, stating it is his principle to vigorously support his party’s candidate in any election. He pledged to have done everything possible to ensure Tinubu’s victory.
The core of their divergence, according to El-Rufai, lies in their approach to governance. He contrasted his own focus on public service and results with what he described as the current administration’s philosophy. “They came to govern the cake, to enrich themselves,” he stated, adding that this ethos is contrary to his beliefs as a Muslim, a northerner, and a Nigerian. He characterized their positions as “parallel lines that will never meet.”
El-Rufai further revealed that even if he had accepted a ministerial role—publicly offered by Tinubu—he would have ultimately left the government due to these irreconcilable differences in philosophy and priorities.
This public airing of philosophical rifts between a prominent former governor and the president highlights internal tensions within the APC and underscores competing visions for Nigeria’s governance. El-Rufai’s comments frame his political stance as principle-driven, emphasizing policy and ideology over personal loyalty or patronage.
