In a recent interview, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, addressed rumors of a personal fallout with President Bola Tinubu by asserting that their relationship was never one of friendship. He made it clear that his involvement in Tinubu’s presidential bid was motivated by loyalty to his political party, rather than any personal connection. El-Rufai compared his relationship with Tinubu to that he had with the late General Buhari, emphasizing the absence of a personal bond with the current president.

El-Rufai detailed how his support for Tinubu emerged as part of broader political discussions within the All Progressives Congress, alongside consultations with key stakeholders. He explained that his backing was influenced by a collective desire among Islamic stakeholders from the southwest to support a southwest Muslim candidate for the presidency. Thus, his political choices were shaped more by strategic considerations than by friendship or personal allegiance.

The remarks from El-Rufai highlight the ongoing dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape as well as the importance of party loyalty in a nation where personal relationships often play a significant role in political alliances. By clarifying his position on Tinubu, El-Rufai not only distances himself from claims of personal connections but also reinforces the notion that political maneuvering is prevalent in current Nigerian politics, especially leading up to elections.