Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed that his entry into politics was not driven by personal ambition but rather at the insistence of former President Muhammadu Buhari. El-Rufai, who recently distanced himself from the All Progressives Congress (APC), shared this revelation during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time program.
El-Rufai explained that he had no prior interest in vying for political office and was initially hesitant to run for governor.
According to him, it was Buhari who persuaded him to take on the role, despite his reservations.
“I have never had an ambition. You can ask Buhari—he forced me to run for governor of Kaduna State because I was afraid of running,” he stated.
El-Rufai inches away from ruling party
The former governor described himself as a technocrat rather than a politician, emphasizing that his strengths lie in problem-solving rather than campaigning. He noted that individuals like himself, along with other notable figures such as Oby Ezekwesili and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, are more suited to behind-the-scenes work rather than seeking public office.
El-Rufai’s comments come amid his growing dissatisfaction with the APC, which he recently labeled as a party of detractors and derailers.
He expressed concern over the party’s deviation from its founding principles and suggested that he might consider joining another political platform if the APC fails to realign with its core values.
Tinubu intentionally sidelined me – El-Rufai
While some speculate that El-Rufai’s criticism stems from being overlooked for a ministerial position in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, he dismissed such claims.
He clarified that his exclusion was not due to failing the National Assembly screening process, as some have alleged, but rather a deliberate decision by Tinubu to exclude him from the cabinet.
El-Rufai reiterated his commitment to politics but clarified that this does not necessarily mean contesting elections.
He expressed hope that the APC would address its internal issues and return to its original ideals. However, he warned that if the party fails to do so, he would seek another platform that aligns with his values.
The former governor’s remarks have sparked discussions about the future of the APC and the potential defection of other prominent members.
PDP’s Atiku unites with El-Rufai
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday, February 21, paid a condolence visit to the family of late elder statesman, Edwin Clark.
It would be recalled that Clark, a former federal commissioner, died on Monday, February 17, at the age of 97.
