Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is gearing up for a legal and political showdown with President Bola Tinubu, as he prepares to challenge allegations of being a security risk in at least two courts, Saturday Vanguard has learned.
The brewing confrontation is set to unfold both in the judicial arena, where El-Rufai intends to clear his name of accusations, and in the court of public opinion, where he may emerge as a significant obstacle to Tinubu’s potential reelection bid in 2027.
The stage for this impending clash was set following what supporters and critics alike describe as El-Rufai’s public humiliation by the Tinubu administration, which labeled him unfit for ministerial office due to security concerns.
In recent weeks, El-Rufai, affectionately known as “Mallam” among his close circles, has been actively engaging with political stakeholders across northern Nigeria, drawing attention to his growing alignment with opposition forces. His meetings with leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and a visit to suspended Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi underscore his increasing identification with the political opposition.
Sources close to El-Rufai reveal that despite his significant contributions to Tinubu’s ascent to power, including strategic and financial support, the former governor opted not to serve in the new government. Instead, he expressed a preference for a sabbatical in academia. However, he was persuaded by the president to assist in revitalizing the energy sector, leveraging his experience as the former Director-General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises.
The shock came when El-Rufai was excluded during Senate ministerial screenings, purportedly due to a failure to pass security clearance. This decision stunned many political actors, given El-Rufai’s instrumental role in rallying northern governors to support Tinubu’s candidacy and his efforts in securing victories for the president in some Southwest states.
In addition to his contributions to Tinubu’s political success, El-Rufai has garnered attention for his vocal opposition to certain policies of the Buhari administration, particularly the naira redesign project. He asserted that the initiative aimed to disrupt the political landscape and undermine the APC, insinuating a conspiracy against Tinubu’s presidential aspirations.
Now, sources close to El-Rufai indicate that he is determined to challenge the allegations against him in court, refusing to allow his reputation to be tarnished by accusations of being a security risk. Concurrently, he is mobilizing to sway public opinion against Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
The evolving dynamics between El-Rufai and Tinubu mark a significant shift from their previous relationship, characterized by El-Rufai’s criticism of Tinubu’s political influence. Despite their past differences, El-Rufai’s strategic support for Tinubu in the 2023 elections underscores the complexities of political alliances in Nigeria’s ever-changing landscape.
