In an unfolding political drama, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is reportedly gearing up for a legal showdown with President Bola Tinubu. This battle, according to Insiders, is set to take place in judicial courts over allegations labeling El-Rufai as a ‘security risk’, and in the broader court of public opinion, potentially shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
The roots of this confrontation trace back to El-Rufai’s rejection for a ministerial position by the Tinubu administration, citing security concerns—a move that has sparked widespread discussion and is seen by many as a public snub to the former governor.
El-Rufai’s subsequent engagement with the political opposition, including meetings with Social Democratic Party (SDP) leaders and a visit to Senator Abdul Ningi, signals his pivot towards opposition ranks.
Despite El-Rufai’s significant role in aiding Tinubu’s ascent to the presidency—mobilizing support among northern governors and facilitating electoral victories in key southwestern states—his sudden exclusion from ministerial appointment has caused a stir.
The decision, based on a purported failure to pass a security clearance, has left political circles in shock, considering El-Rufai’s influential contributions to the APC’s success.
El-Rufai, known for his strategic acumen and international connections, is not taking this setback lightly.
A source deep within the Ex-Governor’s Camp, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed; “You think Mallam will allow this tag to abide on him? I can assure you that he is going to clear his name in court.”
“El-Rufai is a man who has many contacts internationally and he is not one to allow his reputation to be smeared by the reason given by the Senate of being a security risk,”.
Confidants of the former governor reveal his intentions to clear his name through legal action and to assert his influence in shaping public opinion against the current administration as the 2027 elections approach.
His past criticisms of Tinubu and bold declarations about overcoming political godfathers add layers to their complex relationship. Having once dismissed Tinubu as not being his preferred leader, El-Rufai’s current stance could redefine his political trajectory and influence within Nigeria’s volatile political arena.
It can be recalled that in a Webinar to commemorate the 60th Birthday of Rauf Aregbesola in May 2020, El-Rufai had said that Tinubu was not ‘his man’.
Quoting the Kaduna Politician: “I want to congratulate my brother, Ogbeni (Aregbesola), on his birthday. You know I’m your man any day. I’m not Asiwaju’s man and you are Asiwaju’s man, but I am your man any day. Asiwaju and I have differences but you and I have no differences.”
It’s also a known fact that Tinubu’s relationship with Aregbesola is no longer what it used to be as both men are enstranged now following the latter’s criticism of the former during the build-up to the 2023 Presidential Election.
