Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is gearing up for a legal battle against President Bola Tinubu, marking the beginning of a potential political showdown with far-reaching implications for the 2027 presidential elections.
The feud between El-Rufai and Tinubu has deepened, with insiders revealing plans for legal action over allegations branding El-Rufai as a ‘security risk’. This clash, poised to unfold in both courtrooms and public discourse, threatens to reshape the political landscape in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
The genesis of this conflict can be traced back to El-Rufai’s rejection for a ministerial position by the Tinubu administration, citing security concerns. This move has sparked widespread debate and is perceived as a public snub to the former governor.
El-Rufai’s subsequent engagement with the political opposition, including meetings with Social Democratic Party (SDP) leaders and a visit to Senator Abdul Ningi, underscores his shift towards opposition circles.
Despite El-Rufai’s pivotal role in aiding Tinubu’s presidential journey—rallying support among northern governors and securing electoral victories in key southwestern states—his exclusion from a ministerial role has caused a stir.
The decision, purportedly based on a failure to pass security clearance, has shocked political circles, given El-Rufai’s influential contributions to the APC’s success.
El-Rufai, renowned for his strategic prowess and international network, is determined to challenge this setback.
A source within El-Rufai’s inner circle, speaking on condition of anonymity, told POLITICS NIGERIA, “You think Mallam will allow this tag to abide on him? I can assure you that he is going to clear his name in court.”
“El-Rufai is a man who has many contacts internationally and he is not one to allow his reputation to be smeared by the reason given by the Senate of being a security risk,”.
Close associates of the former governor divulge his plans to vindicate himself through legal means and wield his influence in shaping public opinion against the current administration as the 2027 elections loom.
El-Rufai’s past criticisms of Tinubu and his assertions about overcoming political godfathers inject complexity into their relationship.
Previously stating that Tinubu was not ‘his man’ during a webinar honoring Rauf Aregbesola’s 60th birthday in May 2020, El-Rufai’s current stance could redefine his political trajectory and sway within Nigeria’s turbulent political arena.
Quoting El-Rufai during the webinar: Quoting the Petite Kaduna Politician: “I want to congratulate my brother, Ogbeni (Aregbesola), on his birthday. You know I’m your man any day. I’m not Asiwaju’s man and you are Asiwaju’s man, but I am your man any day. Asiwaju and I have differences but you and I have no differences.”
It’s also known that Tinubu’s relationship with Aregbesola has soured, with the two estranged following Aregbesola’s criticisms of Tinubu during the 2023 Presidential Election buildup.