In a surprising turn of events, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state, has reportedly withdrawn his interest in serving as a minister under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This decision comes amid speculations and discussions surrounding the Senate’s move not to confirm El-Rufai, along with two other nominees, Stella Okotete from Delta State, and Sani A Danladi from Taraba State.
The Senate, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio as its President, confirmed a total of 45 out of 48 nominees submitted by President Tinubu. However, El-Rufai, Okotete, and Danladi were not given the confirmation nod due to security checks.
Sources within the Presidency, as reported by Premium Times on Friday, indicate that the former Kaduna governor, known for his staunch support for President Tinubu, has opted to decline the offer to serve as a minister in the administration. Instead, El-Rufai is said to have assured Tinubu that he will continue to contribute to national development in his capacity as a private citizen.
El-Rufai, in his withdrawal from the ministerial position, reportedly recommended Jafaru Ibrahim Sani as his replacement. Sani, who has previously served as commissioner in three different ministries in Kaduna State—Local Government, Education, and Environment—is believed by El-Rufai to be “very useful and resourceful” within the government.
The decision by El-Rufai to step away from the ministerial role has raised questions and speculation about his motivations. According to the report, the former governor expressed a need for time to focus on his ongoing doctorate program at a university in The Netherlands. This unexpected move by El-Rufai underscores the complex dynamics and decisions that shape political appointments in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As President Tinubu’s administration continues to take shape, the withdrawal of a prominent figure like El-Rufai from the ministerial race adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing developments within the Nigerian political sphere. The government’s next steps and reactions to El-Rufai’s decision are sure to be closely observed by both political analysts and the general public.
