Tinubu was never my friend — El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed suggestions of a personal rift with President Bola Tinubu, saying he never had a close relationship with the President.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Monday, El-Rufai said his support for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid was based on party loyalty and political considerations rather than friendship.

“I was never Tinubu’s friend. We never had a personal relationship like the one I had with General Buhari of blessed memory,” he said.

He explained that his involvement in Tinubu’s candidacy followed consultations within the All Progressives Congress and discussions with political stakeholders, including groups from the South-West who pushed for a Muslim presidential candidate from the region.

El-Rufai said the APC had an informal zoning arrangement that power would return to the South after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, adding that Tinubu benefited from that understanding.

“It wasn’t about Tinubu; he was merely an accidental beneficiary,” he said.

Despite this, El-Rufai noted that once Tinubu secured the party’s ticket, he campaigned vigorously for him out of principle.

“It is a principle of mine to fight for the candidate of my party in every election, whether I like the candidate or not,” he said.

However, he said differences emerged after the election due to contrasting views on governance and public service.

“We didn’t fall out; we simply didn’t find areas of agreement. I am in government to serve the public and deliver results, not to enrich myself or appoint cronies,” he stated.

According to him, the current administration’s governing style conflicts with his values, prompting him to distance himself from the government.

El-Rufai also revealed that he declined a ministerial appointment from Tinubu, saying he would likely have resigned if he had accepted it due to their differing philosophies.

“Our fundamental philosophies of governance are worlds apart,” he added.