He further revealed that President Bola Tinubu persuaded him for two months to serve in his government. El-Rufai denied allegations that his nomination was dropped due to a security report against him, asserting instead that it was Tinubu who changed his mind.“I remain in politics.
I am only 65 years old and not ready to retire. However, if the APC does not restore its democratic values, I will leave the party,” he said.El-Rufai also criticised APC members for being uneasy whenever he interacted with friends from other political parties but dismissed any possibility of joining the PDP.“Don’t believe the rumour that the National Assembly rejected me; it was the president who revised the list. I believe he changed his mind.
I served as a governor for eight years and was a minister 20 years ago. What security issue could there possibly be? It’s a position I didn’t even want in the first place. Has anyone released a security report to back this claim?”He added that President Tinubu initially wanted him to tackle Nigeria’s energy challenges but later altered his decision.Commenting on government reforms, El-Rufai said, “I support most of the government’s policies because they are good, but the quality of the people implementing them is a problem.
For instance, discouraging local farmers while importing food is counterproductive.”El-Rufai also criticised President Tinubu’s ministerial appointments, describing them as unbalanced.
However, he cautioned against blaming the South-West for the actions of “one man”, just as others blamed the North for skewed appointments during military regimes.In the interview, El-Rufai praised the Yoruba people, stating, “The Yoruba are very good people and deserve the respect of all Nigerians. In fact, they believe in the concept of Omoluabi and not in promoting ‘Area Boys’.”
He revealed that he mobilised Northern support for Tinubu during the election despite the president’s perceived liabilities.
He also stated that his political relevance in 2027 would be a decisive factor.El-Rufai accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of orchestrating a political witch-hunt against him. He alleged that Ribadu’s actions were motivated by a desire to clear the path for his own presidential ambition in 2031.“Ribadu wants to be president in 2031.
That’s why he wants to eliminate every northerner he thinks might stand in his way,” El-Rufai claimed during the interview.
PROF’LEE9JA⛱️ MEDIA
