Real Reason El-Rufai’s Ministerial Nomination Failed — FFK

Ambassador-designate to Germany, Femi Fani-Kayode, has said petitions from religious groups in Kaduna State played a key role in the failure of the ministerial nomination of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in 2023.

In an article published in The Nation, the former aviation minister stated that the Senate’s decision not to confirm El-Rufai followed security concerns raised after his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Fani-Kayode said multiple petitions were submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS) by groups in Kaduna, including Shiite Muslims, Tijaniya Muslims and Christian communities. According to him, the petitions alleged violations of rights and persecution during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.

He said the claims were considered serious enough by security agencies to influence the outcome of the Senate screening process.

Fani-Kayode rejected claims that the failed nomination resulted from a political plot involving the National Security Adviser, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the president.

According to him, such claims were unfounded because the president would not have nominated El-Rufai if there had been a plan to block his appointment.

The former minister also linked El-Rufai’s current legal challenges to decisions taken during his time in public office. He referred to allegations involving financial misconduct and other investigations reportedly being handled by anti-corruption agencies.

Fani-Kayode further accused the former governor of carrying out widespread demolitions during his tenure both as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and later as governor of Kaduna State. He claimed thousands of homes and informal settlements in Abuja and Kaduna were demolished during those periods, often affecting low-income residents.

He also referenced the demolition of structures linked to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria shortly before El-Rufai left office in May 2023, stating that buildings including schools, residences and a hospital were affected.

The article also addressed tensions between El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani. Fani-Kayode alleged that the former governor had attempted to undermine the current administration despite earlier assurances that he would remain outside state politics after leaving office.

Fani-Kayode further raised concerns over statements attributed to El-Rufai regarding intelligence and security matters, including allegations involving the office of the National Security Adviser. He said such claims required clarification from relevant authorities because of their potential implications for national security.

He concluded that the controversy surrounding El-Rufai had moved beyond political disagreement and now raised issues that security agencies would need to examine carefully.