El-Rufai Clarifies Relationship with Tinubu, Says They Were Never Close

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that he was never a close associate of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai addressed his stance during the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election, emphasizing that he remained neutral regarding the choice of candidate.

He explained that his primary concern was ensuring that a Southerner emerged as the party’s flagbearer, rather than supporting any specific individual. According to him, the decision was based on an agreement made during the formation of the APC in 2013, which stipulated that power would shift to the South after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

“I was indifferent on who became the presidential candidate of APC. The only thing I was determined to do was to stop a Northerner from becoming the candidate of the party based on what I know,” he said.

Reaffirming his position, El-Rufai added, “Tinubu was never my friend, we weren’t close.”