In a surprising revelation, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai claims his support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections was not rooted in friendship but political strategy. This statement is a stark contrast to the public's perception of a close bond between the two leaders.
During a candid interview with Trust TV, El-Rufai clarified that his backing of Tinubu was not personal but rather a calculated move. He explained, "I was never Tinubu's friend." El-Rufai emphasized that his relationship with Tinubu lacked the intimacy he shared with General Buhari.
The catalyst for his support, he revealed, was an approach by Islamic stakeholders from the southwest who advocated for a Muslim presidential candidate from the region. El-Rufai, as a founder of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was aware of the party's understanding to return power to the south after Buhari's eight-year tenure. Tinubu, he asserted, was simply an "accidental beneficiary" of this arrangement.
Once Tinubu secured the APC candidacy, El-Rufai committed to the party's victory, citing his unwavering principle of supporting the party's candidate regardless of personal preference. He stated, "I fight for the candidate of my party in every election."
However, the narrative took a turn after the election. El-Rufai's differences with Tinubu surfaced, stemming from contrasting philosophies on governance and public service. He passionately declared, "I am in government to serve the public... They came to govern for personal gain." El-Rufai's words paint a picture of two leaders with fundamentally opposing values.
Looking ahead to 2027, El-Rufai dismisses concerns about opposition governors joining the ruling party, citing his own experience in Kaduna State as proof that incumbency doesn't guarantee electoral success. But here's where it gets controversial—was El-Rufai's support truly devoid of personal ties, or is there more to the story? The intricacies of political alliances often reveal hidden complexities.
What do you think? Was El-Rufai's support purely political, or could there be untold layers to this relationship? Share your thoughts below, and let's explore the fascinating world of political friendships and alliances.
