Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, has revealed that his ministerial nomination by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 was not rejected by the Senate, but rather by the President himself.
In an interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai stated that Tinubu simply “changed his mind” on the nomination.
El-Rufai explained that after extensive negotiations, Tinubu personally requested his support and assured him of a ministerial nomination, which came with certain conditions.
However, the President later withdrew the offer. Rufai emphasized that the National Assembly had nothing to do with the rejection, contrary to popular belief.
Rufai also criticized the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party’s organs have been inactive since Tinubu assumed office.
As a founding member of the APC, El-Rufai expressed concern about the party’s direction, citing the lack of progressive ideals and internal democracy.
El-Rufai challenged the alleged security concerns cited for his rejection, insisting that there was no report against him.
He questioned the fairness of the process, noting that less qualified and experienced individuals were confirmed as ministers due to the President’s influence.
