The former Kaduna State Governor, who was a vocal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s candidacy, has suddenly changed his tone. El-Rufai’s earlier position was clear: he saw Tinubu as a strategic leader who could bring about economic prosperity and good governance. He rallied other APC governors to back Tinubu’s candidacy, showcasing his influence within the party. However, his recent criticism of the government’s policies and actions has raised eyebrows, leaving many wondering what triggered this sudden change.
As Nigerians, especially young people, we should be cautious of getting drawn into political fights that are strictly personal. El-Rufai’s situation serves as a reminder that politicians’ interests can shift quickly, and their loyalty is often to themselves. We should focus on issues that affect us directly, like economic development, security, and good governance. Let’s not get distracted by political drama or personal agendas. Instead, let’s hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency and accountability. After all, our votes are what put them in office, and it’s our right to demand better governance.
In one of his interviews during the 2022 APC Presidential primaries, he said, while in one of his meetings with late President Muhammadu Buhari alongside other APC Governors, he asked the late President Buhari whether he had a plan for a successor, but the President said he didn’t have such a plan. El-Rufai said to him that, “You are a President for eight years, and you may have your plans on who to take over from you based on your policies and programs,” then the President said he didn’t have anyone in mind.
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai said, “Among those aspiring to be President from the South, just close your eyes and pick one; we’ll support him.” And again, the President said, “They are all APC members, and whoever emerges, I don’t have a problem with that. Lastly, while the Primaries were ongoing, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai knelt down before the late President Muhammadu Buhari to further give him his last assurance that, after his Presidency, Kaduna State is his home, and by implication, Kaduna delegates are his delegates, who did he want them to vote for in the ongoing Primaries? Yet again, late President Muhammadu Buhari said, “They should vote for their conscience.
These were words of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in one of his interviews. Going by this, one may conclude that President Tinubu was not his first choice, but he later openly supported him. Why the sudden change is still the big question. He also said, “I am supporting President Tinubu, not because I want to be a minister , I was a minister 20 years ago.” However, he later accepted President Tinubu’s plea to work with him during one of President Tinubu’s visits to Kaduna. It’s still surprising to many that it is Mallam Nasir El-Rufai turning against the President and a government he gave all his energy to.
Vice President Kashim Shettima describes former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as a “political force whose relevance cannot be denied”, adding that “you can hate him, you can love him, but you can’t ignore him”. Many Nigerians share Shettima’s position , acknowledging El-Rufai’s influence in Nigerian politics. However, his frequent changes in position have raised questions and sparked debate among Nigerians, with some wondering about the motivations behind his shifts.
The recent statements made by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, have raised questions about his sudden change in stance. The comments, which appear to be at odds with his previous positions, have left many wondering about the motivations behind them. According to the Honourable Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Northerners are well-informed and make informed decisions when it comes elections and this has spaned decades.
An average Northerner living in village will school you as educated person and will furnish you with facts with the latest happenings around the world. By this ,Northerners cannot be twisted more than once and by one person. When Mallam Nasir El-Rufai painted President Tinubu in white in 2023, to them it is the same President Tinubu been painted in black by the same person due to personality problems and political fall out making El-Rufai’s statements all the more intriguing.
As a Fulani born and raised in the hills and mountains around Bauchi and Plateau, I reflect on my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my late father, Mallam Chiroma Mohammed. My father emphasized the importance of staying informed, and I continue to value knowledge and critical thinking. Given this background, I find El-Rufai’s sudden change in stance perplexing.
El-Rufai’s book, “The Accidental Public Servant,” provides insight into his thoughts and experiences as a public servant, including his relationship with Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, now the National Security Adviser, and raises questions about his current stance on certain issues, particularly his apparent shift on President Bola Tinubu and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s history of taking on powerful figures is well-documented. He famously fell out with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had initially backed him, over differences in governance and ideology. El-Rufai also clashed with late President Umaru Yar’Adua and his successor, Goodluck Jonathan, criticizing their policies and leadership style. This pattern of confrontation with those in power has led many to question his motivations and whether he is driven by a desire to challenge authority or genuine concern for the country.
El-Rufai’s current stance against President Bola Tinubu is seen by some as a continuation of this trend. Many have drawn parallels between his confrontations with previous leaders and his current criticism of Tinubu’s administration. Some speculate that El-Rufai’s actions are driven by a sense of frustration with Tinubu, the same person he vigorously campaigned for, now refusing to carry him along. Others see it as a reflection of his ambition and willingness to take on those in power, even if it means being at odds with his former allies.
Given his history of confrontation with former Presidents of Nigeria, it’s possible to interpret his current stance against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as another instance of his characteristic assertiveness, rather than a genuine concern that warrants serious attention. This pattern of behavior suggests that El-Rufai’s actions might be more about him making a statement than a genuine critique of Tinubu’s presidency, thereby exonerating Tinubu from being the central issue.
As Nigerians grapple with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s shifting stance, they’re faced with a daunting task: determining which of his statements to hold him accountable for – his previous endorsements or his current criticisms. This flip-flopping has left many scratching their heads, wondering whether to trust his past words or his present tone, making it increasingly impossible to discern his true intentions.
The current war of words by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not a war of the North vs the South, neither is it President Bola Ahmed Tinubu vs the North, as he’s trying to portray. It’s actually a war of perception vs reality. El-Rufai’s accusations of Tinubu appointing only his kinsmen from Lagos are misleading, to say the least. If Nigeria’s problems can be fixed by appointing competent individuals, regardless of their region, then so be it.
Let’s be real, the appointees are qualified Nigerians who’ve been given the chance to serve their country. And isn’t that what matters most? We should focus on the facts and the issues that affect us all, rather than playing the regional card. Recall how El-Rufai defended late President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments and Senator Kashim Shettima’s nomination as VP, citing capability and capacity as the reasons. That’s the kind of leadership we need – one that focuses on merit and competence.
These same Lagos boys are making significant strides in various areas, despite criticisms from Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. One notable achievement is the improvement in Nigeria’s economic stability, with a steady GDP growth, trade surpluses, and increased foreign exchange reserves. The country’s tax-to-GDP ratio has also risen to 13.5%, and the government has paid down significant debts, including the infamous “Ways and Means” advances.
In the area of infrastructure development, President Tinubu has prioritized transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation. Notable projects include the 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project, the Kaduna-Kano rail line, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The administration has also invested in social programs, such as the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan, aiming to empower at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.
President Tinubu’s administration has also made strides in attracting foreign investment, with foreign direct investment rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025. The Nigerian Stock Exchange has also experienced significant growth, with a 48.12% gain in 2025. Additionally, the administration has implemented reforms to boost the solid minerals sector, with coal mining growing by 57.5% in Q2 2025.
President Tinubu’s administration has made notable progress in agriculture, importing 2,000 tractors from Belarus with 10,000 more expected, and distributing specialized farming implements. The government has also disbursed N200 billion in loans to farmers and established a N100 billion National Agricultural Development Fund. These efforts have led to the cultivation of over 550,000 hectares, generating two million metric tonnes of staple food, creating 16,000 jobs, and impacting 550,000 farming households.
In terms of security, the administration has neutralized 15,543 insurgents and seen 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters surrender. The government has also engaged youth through programs like the National Youth Service Corps and skills training initiatives. Additionally, President Tinubu’s administration has increased funding for social programs, including over N70 billion in soft education loans benefiting 600,000 students, and a 60% growth in Federation Account Allocation to States, enabling more local development projects. The NELFUND program has also supported over 400,000 vulnerable Nigerians.
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s change of stance has raised eyebrows, and it’s natural to wonder what could be driving this shift. Is it a genuine concern for the nation, or is it a response to not getting what he wanted? The fact remains that President Tinubu has been delivering on his promises, and that’s what matters most. As you said, the same President Tinubu he brought to us is the same President Tinubu delivering results-oriented performance. Why the sudden change indeed?
The fact that he’s one of our best is undeniable.
Happy birthday Mallam!
Danaudi, Public Affairs Analyst Writes From Bauchi Via danaudicomrade@gmail.com
