By Abiola Olawale
Despite recent political tensions between the Presidency and former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the ex-governor, El-Rufai, on his 65th birthday, praising his significant contributions to democracy and national development.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described El-Rufai as an accomplished administrator, scholar, and politician, widely respected for his resourcefulness and brilliance.
Tinubu highlighted El-Rufai’s pivotal role as a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his contributions to the party’s successes in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections.
The President commended El-Rufai’s endeavours for democracy, his meritorious service to the nation, and his mentorship of younger generations.
He also acknowledged El-Rufai’s leadership as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, as well as his previous roles as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007.
This gesture comes amid strained relations between the two political figures. El-Rufai, once a close ally of Tinubu, has recently emerged as a vocal critic of the current administration, particularly over its policies and internal APC dynamics.
El-Rufai also publicly clashed with his successor, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, accusing him of seeking Tinubu’s favour, and warned that the President’s relationship with the North has deteriorated, potentially jeopardising his prospects in the 2027 elections.
Despite these criticisms, Tinubu’s birthday message appears to overlook the friction, focusing instead on El-Rufai’s legacy and wishing him good health and strength for continued service to Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.”
