Ndume: El-Rufai Got What He Deserved, But Tinubu’s Role Still Baffles Me

Borno South Senator Ali Ndume has commented on the political repercussions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying that although El-Rufai might have deserved to be left off the ministerial list, it is still unclear why.

Ndume, who played a pivotal role in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, expressed surprise at El-Rufai’s exclusion from the cabinet in an appearance on Arise Television on Tuesday night.

El-Rufai was meant to be on Amaechi’s side, which is our side. Nevertheless, he took action to back Tinubu. And as he correctly stated, Tinubu invited him to join the team. El-Rufai left our group, therefore I haven’t been close to him since,” Ndume remarked.

He pointed out that during the APC presidential primary, El-Rufai first sided with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, but he later changed sides and emerged as a crucial member of Tinubu’s campaign apparatus.

Tinubu proposed El-Rufai for a ministry position after the election victory. However, El-Rufai’s name was inexplicably removed off the final list even though she was given a warm reception and the “take a bow and go” treatment during Senate screening.

“He did a lot for Tinubu and really mobilized.” He was nominated by the president, but I still don’t understand what transpired. But that’s none of my concern,” Ndume said.

By suggesting that El-Rufai’s treatment was a reflection of his own previous behavior, the senator alluded to political karma.

Read Also: Tinubu, Queen Mary Discuss Boosting Cooperation in Agriculture, Education, and Development

“You also did that to us. It’s retaliation against you. Even though I don’t like El-Rufai, the facts must be stated,” he continued.

Ndume called President Tinubu’s decision to fire El-Rufai following his verified campaign contributions a mistake.

Mr. President made a mistake there. When El-Rufai entered the room, we requested him to bow and go. He already had plans in place and had the experience. “I was prepared,” he declared.

Within political circles, the rift between Tinubu and El-Rufai is still causing people to wonder what causes led to the surprise choice.