Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has issued a public apology to Nigerians for his role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election. El-Rufai described his decision to back Tinubu’s candidacy as a mistake and assured citizens that he would not repeat the same action in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement that has sparked widespread public attention, El-Rufai reportedly referred to Tinubu’s administration as “evil” and said he regretted playing a part in bringing it to power. The former governor made the comments while addressing a gathering of political associates and supporters, during which he appealed for forgiveness from the Nigerian people.
“Forgive me for bringing this evil Tinubu to power in 2023. It won’t happen again in 2027. The guy is gone,” El-Rufai was quoted as saying.
Though the exact context of the statement remains unclear, El-Rufai’s remarks have ignited intense political reactions, particularly from within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party under which both he and President Tinubu were elected. His comments represent a sharp departure from his previous support for Tinubu, especially during the 2023 presidential campaign, where El-Rufai played a prominent role in rallying northern support for the APC candidate.
As of Tuesday afternoon, there has been no official response from the Presidency regarding El-Rufai’s statements. Similarly, no formal communication has been issued by the APC leadership addressing the matter. However, political analysts and party insiders view the remarks as a significant development that could signal growing internal divisions within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a two-term governor of Kaduna State, is known for his outspoken political style and has remained a prominent figure in national politics even after leaving office. His relationship with President Tinubu has reportedly become strained in recent months, although both figures were once considered close political allies within the APC.
The former governor’s apology comes at a time of increasing criticism of the Tinubu administration, with public dissatisfaction over the state of the economy, rising inflation, insecurity, and hardship across various sectors. While El-Rufai did not elaborate on the specific failures that prompted his remarks, his public disavowal of Tinubu appears to resonate with sentiments expressed by some Nigerians who feel disillusioned with the direction of the current government.
The statement has also fueled speculation about El-Rufai’s political ambitions ahead of 2027. Some observers believe he may be positioning himself as a potential contender or kingmaker in the next election cycle, possibly aligning with alternative political movements or opposition forces. Others see the remarks as an attempt to rebuild his public image and distance himself from the increasingly unpopular policies of the current administration.
El-Rufai’s comments have sparked wide reactions on social media, with some Nigerians welcoming the apology while others dismissed it as opportunistic. Critics argue that his role in promoting the Tinubu presidency cannot be easily forgotten, while supporters insist that acknowledging a mistake is a courageous step.
As the political landscape continues to evolve in the lead-up to 2027, El-Rufai’s public break from President Tinubu is likely to have far-reaching implications within the APC and beyond. Political stakeholders are closely monitoring how this development will affect alliances, party dynamics, and voter sentiment in the months to come.
