El-Rufai Denies Friendship with Tinubu, Reveals Fundamental Governance Differences
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has made a striking declaration about his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, stating unequivocally that they have never been friends or political allies. The prominent political figure, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), offered these clarifications during a recent interview on Trust TV, where he addressed widespread assumptions about their connection.
'We Never Got Along' - El-Rufai's Direct Statement
"I think it's important to make this clarification. There is an assumption that I was ever Tinubu's friend. I was not. We never got along with Tinubu. We never had a personal relationship," El-Rufai stated emphatically during the television appearance.
The former governor explained that his involvement in Tinubu's 2023 presidential campaign stemmed not from personal loyalty but from political principle and party discipline within the All Progressives Congress (APC). He described how Islamic stakeholders from the Southwest approached him to support the emergence of a Southwest Muslim presidential candidate.
Principle Over Personality in Political Support
"For me, Tinubu was initially just an aspirant of the party," El-Rufai revealed. "As one of the founders of the APC, I knew that we had an understanding with the South, specifically the Southwest, that after eight years of Buhari, power would go to the South. It was a matter of principle. It wasn't about Tinubu."
He elaborated on his political philosophy, stating: "It is a principle of mine that I fight for the candidate of my party in every election to win, whether I like the candidate or not. Tinubu emerged as the candidate, and I gave everything to ensure that he won. And that's what I did."
Irreconcilable Governance Philosophies
El-Rufai explained that fundamental differences in values and governance philosophy created an unbridgeable gap between the two men. "We didn't fall out. We just could not find areas of agreement. There was no equilibrium. We couldn't agree," he clarified.
The former governor was particularly critical of what he described as the governing philosophy of the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that it conflicted with his understanding of public service. "I am in government for delivery, for results and performance. Public service is not about making money for yourself. It's not about stealing. It's not about appointing your cronies or your tribesmen," he asserted.
Ministerial Appointment Would Have Been Temporary
El-Rufai further revealed that even if his proposed appointment into Tinubu's cabinet had materialized, it would not have lasted. "Even if the offer that Tinubu made to me to be a minister had gone through, I would have left the government long ago. The philosophy of this government is contrary to everything I have been taught as a Muslim, as a northerner, and as a Nigerian," he declared.
The former governor concluded with a stark assessment of the differences between himself and the President: "These guys didn't come to govern. They came to enrich themselves, pure and simple. We are different people. So it should not surprise anybody that knows me and knows Tinubu to see that we are parallel lines that will never meet."
This candid interview provides unprecedented insight into the relationship between two of Nigeria's most prominent political figures and reveals deep philosophical divides within the country's political landscape.
