Former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai, claims some individuals paid to secure ministerial positions in Tinubu’s administration. He revealed that Tinubu personally urged him to serve as minister to fix Nigeria’s electricity crisis. El-Rufai later declined and defected from APC to SDP, citing disappointment with the government.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has sparked controversy with claims that certain individuals paid money to secure ministerial positions in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, el-Rufai stated that while some lobbied financially for appointments, Tinubu personally urged him to take up a ministerial role.
According to el-Rufai, Tinubu sought his expertise to address Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges. The former governor recounted how the president repeatedly appealed to him, stressing that he wanted to be the leader who finally resolved the country’s power crisis.
Despite Tinubu’s request, el-Rufai ultimately declined the offer. He was initially nominated for a ministerial position but was later dropped, reportedly due to security concerns raised by the Senate.
El-Rufai’s revelations have fueled discussions on the credibility of government appointments and raised concerns about political favoritism. His remarks also follow his recent resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), signaling growing dissatisfaction within the political landscape.
His allegations have drawn mixed reactions, with critics questioning the integrity of Nigeria’s leadership selection process. However, neither the presidency nor any named individuals have responded to the claims. As the controversy unfolds, the issue of transparency in political appointments remains a subject of national debate.
