El-Rufai Denies Ministerial Rejection, Says Tinubu Had a Change of Heart
Abuja, Nigeria – Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has refuted claims that he was rejected by the National Assembly as a ministerial nominee.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Tuesday, El-Rufai clarified that President Bola Tinubu simply “changed his mind” about the nomination, contrary to reports suggesting he was disqualified.
El-Rufai was among the initial ministerial nominees submitted by Tinubu but was not confirmed alongside others after the Senate cited security concerns. The former governor, however, dismissed those claims, stating that Tinubu made a personal decision to withdraw his nomination.
“I was not rejected by the National Assembly. The president simply changed his mind on the nomination,” El-Rufai said.
His comments come amid continued speculation over his strained relationship with the Tinubu administration. While some believe he may still play a key role in the government in another capacity, others see his omission as a signal of political realignment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite being sidelined from the cabinet, El-Rufai remains a vocal political figure, with his influence in Kaduna and national politics still significant.
