Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made a startling revelation, claiming that ministerial appointments in President Bola Tinubu’s administration were sold to the highest bidders.
El-Rufai, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), disclosed this in an interview with BBC Hausa, where he criticized the APC for abandoning its founding principles and turning into a party where personal interest and financial gain dictate governance.
“APC Is No Longer the Party We Built”
El-Rufai, a former strong ally of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, stated that he sought Buhari’s permission and blessings before dumping the APC.
“APC has derailed; it is no longer abiding by its founding principles. Everyone is working for themselves, looking for money. The government has been commercialized, and everything has a price tag,” he lamented.
He accused the Tinubu-led government of ignoring those who worked tirelessly for the party’s success while rewarding only individuals from Lagos and personal loyalists.
“Justice has been abandoned. Those who sacrificed for the party have been sidelined. If there is any appointment, they give it to a Lagos boy,” he alleged.
Buhari’s Blessings Before Dumping APC
El-Rufai explained that his decision to quit APC was not made in haste but after consulting with Buhari and Pastor Tunde Bakare, who initially convinced him to join the party.
“I didn’t join APC because of Buhari. It was Pastor Bakare who took me to him and introduced me to the party. So, before leaving, I went back to inform him,” he said.
According to El-Rufai, Buhari gave him his blessings, telling him he was now just an elder statesman and praying for the best for Nigeria.
“I have publicly denounced my membership of APC. They can go ahead and keep the party for themselves, eat it like food. I am done,” he stated.
“I Was Marginalized, APC Dumped Me First”
The former governor dismissed speculation that he left the party to avoid being expelled, insisting that he was pushed out first by being deliberately sidelined.
“It would have been easier if they expelled me. But the truth is, I didn’t leave APC. The party abandoned me. I was marginalized, excluded from all party activities, and was never invited to anything,” he said.
El-Rufai also expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s governance, stating that the policies being implemented were not what the APC originally promised Nigerians.
“Ministerial Positions Were Bought, I Know Who Paid”
El-Rufai dismissed claims that he was bitter because he was denied a ministerial appointment, revealing that some individuals paid to be appointed as ministers.
“People assume I left because I didn’t get a ministerial position. But I know those who actually paid money to become ministers,” he alleged.
He explained that Tinubu personally begged him to take a ministerial role, particularly to help solve Nigeria’s power sector crisis.
“The President begged me in Kaduna, in front of people, to come and work with him. It wasn’t a private discussion. He wanted me to help solve the electricity problem because he wanted to be the president who finally fixed power in Nigeria,” he said.
However, El-Rufai claimed that after careful consideration of Tinubu’s leadership direction, he decided not to be part of the administration.
The Fallout: A Deepening Political Rift
El-Rufai’s departure from APC and his explosive allegations mark a new phase of internal crisis within the ruling party. His accusations of corruption and favoritism could further weaken APC ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as key political figures continue to shift allegiances.
For now, his revelations have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about the integrity of Tinubu’s government and the future of the APC.
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