10 Key Points From El-Rufai’s Interview On Arise TV

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has broken his silence in a no-holds-barred interview on Arise Television, where he addressed issues surrounding his ministerial rejection, political relationships, and the state of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Here are ten key takeaways from the explosive interview:

1. Tinubu Rejected His Nomination, Not The Senate

El-Rufai revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not the National Assembly, was behind his ministerial rejection.

He stated that while the Senate had no objections, the President ultimately made the decision not to appoint him.

2. Uba Sani’s Allegations Are Politically Motivated

The former governor dismissed corruption allegations levelled against him by the Kaduna State House of Assembly under Governor Uba Sani, describing them as baseless and politically driven.

3. Tinubu’s Appointments Are Political, Not Ethnic

El-Rufai insisted that Tinubu’s ministerial appointments were based on political loyalty rather than ethnic sentiments, refuting claims that the President favoured Yorubas at the expense of other ethnic groups.

4. APC Is No Longer A Functioning Political Party

He lamented that the APC, which was once a vibrant and well-structured party, has now become inactive and uncoordinated, lacking the discipline and leadership that defined its early years.

5. Nuhu Ribadu And Uba Sani Are Behind His Political Ordeal

El-Rufai accused National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, of orchestrating a smear campaign against him.

He suggested that their actions were aimed at keeping him out of national politics.

6. Buhari Had No Preferred APC Presidential Candidate

Contrary to speculations, El-Rufai stated that former President Muhammadu Buhari did not endorse any candidate during the APC presidential primaries, maintaining that Buhari remained neutral throughout the selection process.

7. He Has No Regrets About Leaving Politics

El-Rufai stated categorically that he has moved on from politics and is content with his current position outside public office, asserting that he is at peace with his decisions.

8. Kaduna’s Debt Profile Is Being Politicised

The former governor dismissed concerns over Kaduna’s debt profile, insisting that the loans secured during his tenure were for infrastructural development and that the repayment plans were well-structured.

9. Tinubu Can Still Correct His Political Appointments

Despite criticising the President’s appointments, El-Rufai expressed optimism that Tinubu could still make necessary adjustments to accommodate a broader representation in governance.

10. He Will Focus On His Private Life And Businesses

El-Rufai disclosed that he is currently focused on personal and business ventures, stating that he has no immediate plans to return to active politics.