Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, has opened up about the rift between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and President Bola Tinubu.
Ndume, speaking during an interview on Arise Television, said he remains puzzled over the circumstances that led to El-Rufai being dropped from Tinubu’s ministerial list, despite playing a key role in the president’s 2023 campaign.
According to the senator, El-Rufai initially belonged to the political camp of former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, but later defected to Tinubu’s side.
“El-Rufai was supposed to be with us – Amaechi’s team – but he switched sides and gave full support to Tinubu,” Ndume said. “I think this switch is part of what’s frustrating him now.”
Ndume noted that although El-Rufai helped Tinubu significantly during the campaign, his ministerial nomination was unexpectedly withdrawn.
“He really mobilised support and did a lot. Tinubu even encouraged him to join the government. But suddenly, his name was removed, and till now, I don’t know what happened between them,” he added.
Suggesting it might be political karma, Ndume said El-Rufai could be facing the same betrayal he once dished out.
“Maybe it’s just payback. He did that to us before, and now it’s happening to him. I’m not a fan of El-Rufai, but the truth is the truth.”
Reflecting on El-Rufai’s ministerial screening at the National Assembly, Ndume recalled how senators allowed him to “take a bow and go” out of respect for his credentials. He, however, faulted President Tinubu for dropping him later despite his contributions.
“That’s where Mr. President got it wrong,” Ndume said. “We expected El-Rufai to be part of the cabinet. His exclusion was shocking.”
