Former governor breaks silence on political rift
In a surprising and candid interview, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has described his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “parallel lines.”
He stated that their paths have diverged significantly since the 2023 general elections, and they will likely never meet again. This declaration has sent shockwaves through the All Progressives Congress, where both men were once considered key allies.
El-Rufai clarified that he was never actually a friend of the President, contrary to popular belief. He noted that his support for Tinubu during the last election was purely a matter of party politics rather than personal loyalty. He emphasized that his brand of politics is rooted in principles and a vision for the North that differs from the current administration’s approach.
Philosophy of government under scrutiny
The former governor did not hold back in his criticism of the current government’s direction. He claimed that the philosophy guiding the Tinubu administration is contrary to everything he believes as a Muslim and a Northerner. This public distancing suggests a deep ideological divide that goes beyond simple political disagreements.
El-Rufai explained that he supported a Southern candidate in 2023 because he believed in the principle of power rotation within the APC. He mentioned that certain Islamic stakeholders from the Southwest approached him to support a Muslim candidate from their region. According to him, Tinubu just happened to be the beneficiary of that strategic arrangement.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections
These comments have fueled intense speculation about El-Rufai’s role in the 2027 political landscape. Many analysts believe that he is positioning himself to lead a new opposition front or a rival faction within the ruling party. His history as a reformer and a vocal critic makes him a formidable figure in any political realignment.
The President’s camp has yet to issue a formal response to these remarks, but the tension is palpable. The APC is currently navigating several internal crises, and the loss of a heavyweight like El-Rufai could be damaging. Maintaining party unity will be a major challenge for the President as he nears the midpoint of his first term.
The impact of a fractured ruling party
The rift between these two leaders highlights the fragile nature of political alliances in Nigeria. It shows that even the most powerful coalitions can crumble when personal and ideological interests clash. For the average Nigerian, these high-level disagreements are a distraction from the pressing economic issues facing the country.
As the race for 2027 begins to take shape, the “parallel lines” mentioned by El-Rufai may define the future of the APC. Whether he can build a successful alternative or if the President will find a way to reconcile remains to be seen. For now, the former governor is content to stand his ground and speak his truth.
