Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has publicly addressed recent claims that he withheld support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
In a candid response on social media, El-Rufai dismissed the allegations as baseless, emphasizing his commitment to acting in the interest of “God, country, and party” without expecting personal rewards.
Background
President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, secured victory in the February 2023 election, defeating opposition candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tinubu won 8.8 million votes, outperforming rivals in key states like Port Harcout and Kaduna.
El-Rufai, a prominent APC figure, has recently faced criticism from online commentators.
A post by X user Yusuf Tukur (@realYusufTukur) alleged that Tinubu’s allies initially sought El-Rufai’s endorsement but later accused him of disloyalty.
The tweet claimed, “They’ve turned around to claim Malam [El-Rufai] didn’t even support PBAT [Tinubu],” referencing earlier praise from Tinubu’s camp.
El-Rufai’s Response
Responding directly on X, El-Rufai reframed the discourse, stating that his actions were driven by principle rather than political gain.
“We did what we did for God, country, and party, expecting nothing in return,” he wrote.
He described the accusations as a “reflection of human nature” and added, “We have moved on, but their conscience won’t let them sleep well.”
This reply underscores El-Rufai’s reputation for bluntness.
Earlier, he had criticized political theatrics, comparing some peers to “Nollywood actors” and stating, “Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not for some of us.”
El-Rufai’s remarks align with his track record as a polarizing yet results-driven leader.
During his tenure as Kaduna governor (2015–2023), he implemented contentious reforms in education and public sector efficiency, often prioritizing policy over political popularity.
His alignment with Tinubu during the 2023 campaign included rallying support in northern states, a region critical to the APC’s victory.
Analysts note that internal APC tensions are not uncommon after elections. For instance, former President Muhammadu Buhari also faced similar loyalty debates post-2015. However, El-Rufai’s directness distinguishes his approach.
As political commentator Sam Amadi noted, “El-Rufai’s brand thrives on confrontation, not compromise.”
While El-Rufai has ruled out a cabinet role in Tinubu’s administration, his influence within the APC remains significant. His latest comments reflect a broader philosophy of detached service, prioritizing ideology over political gratitude.
As the administration progresses, observers will monitor how his stance impacts party cohesion and policy direction.