Presidency Responds to El-Rufai’s Criticisms, Urges Former Governor to Move On

Presidency Responds to El-Rufai’s Criticisms, Urges Former Governor to Move On

The Presidency has hit back at former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, attributing his recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to his disappointment over not being appointed a minister.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, addressed El-Rufai’s ongoing attacks, noting that the former governor, who was initially nominated for a ministerial position but later excluded after Senate screening, seems unable to move past his exclusion. Onanuga suggested that El-Rufai’s actions resemble the behavior of a child upset over losing something valuable, urging him to move forward.

A Call for Closure

Speaking to journalist on February 25, Onanuga acknowledged El-Rufai’s pivotal role in President Tinubu’s electoral success but pointed out that being left out of the cabinet shouldn’t lead to continued public backlash. “I sympathize with El-Rufai; I understand he’s hurt about not being appointed as a minister. But it’s time for him to move on,” Onanuga said.

He went on to emphasize that El-Rufai’s longstanding career in public service should offer him perspective. “He’s been in public service since 1999 and has had many opportunities to serve. It’s time to focus on what’s ahead,” Onanuga added.

Recognition of El-Rufai’s Contributions

Onanuga also reiterated that President Tinubu values El-Rufai’s contributions to his election victory and acknowledged his efforts publicly. While El-Rufai has been critical of the administration since his exclusion, Onanuga made it clear that this should not overshadow the former governor’s legacy. “Not being in the cabinet does not mean he should seek to tear everything down,” he remarked.

El-Rufai’s Criticism and the 2027 Election

El-Rufai has previously suggested that it wasn’t the Senate, but President Tinubu himself who made the final decision to exclude him from the cabinet. Despite tensions within the ruling party, Onanuga dismissed claims of any personal grudge between Tinubu and El-Rufai, stating that the criticisms are more a result of personal disappointment.

In a related interview, El-Rufai expressed uncertainty about whether he would support President Tinubu in the 2027 election. He revealed that his support for Tinubu in 2023 was based on consultations with APC stakeholders in Kaduna and former President Buhari, who encouraged the party to vote according to their conscience.

The Presidency’s message is clear: it’s time for El-Rufai to let go of past disappointments and focus on contributing to Nigeria’s future.