Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has broken his silence on the much-discussed fallout with President Bola Tinubu, revealing that their political relationship was never rooted in personal friendship. El-Rufai made the clarification in a recent interview, stressing that philosophical differences — not personal betrayal — lie at the heart of their separation.
Speaking with media outlets, El-Rufai underscored that he and President Tinubu were never close friends, saying his support during the 2023 presidential election was driven by principle and political alignment rather than personal affinity. “I was never Tinubu’s friend,” he remarked, emphasizing that his backing for the then-candidate was based on shared party goals, not a personal bond.
El-Rufai explained that their reported differences stem from contrasting governance philosophies and approaches to national leadership. According to him, these ideological gaps eventually widened into a public rift as he grew more vocal in his critique of government policies.
Political analysts have noted that El-Rufai’s outspoken criticism of the Tinubu administration, including comments about policy direction and leadership style, has intensified the perception of a rift between the two leaders. As of publication, the Presidency has not issued a detailed response to El-Rufai’s clarification.
The former governor’s statements have stirred discussions across political circles, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on whether such differences reflect normal democratic discourse or deeper divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape.
