By Suleiman Ibrahim.
The Nigerian presidency has issued a stern response to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his recent comments regarding his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial appointments. In an interview with Arise News, El-Rufai accused President Tinubu of being the primary reason for his rejection, asserting that the National Assembly played no role in the decision.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, addressed the situation during an appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily. He remarked, “It is time for him to move on. You cannot continue to behave like a child as if somebody stole your bread and you are crying over spilt milk.”
Onanuga acknowledged El-Rufai’s contributions to Tinubu’s election campaign but emphasized that exclusion from the cabinet does not warrant a prolonged grievance. “It is natural to feel hurt for being excluded, but it’s important to put it behind you,” he added.
El-Rufai’s comments came after he alleged that despite his significant role in Tinubu’s electoral success, he was deliberately sidelined. He claimed that after initial negotiations, the President had publicly requested his service, only to later change his mind.
While El-Rufai maintains that he bears no personal animosity towards the Tinubu administration, he criticized the internal dynamics of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning that unresolved issues could lead to deeper divisions within the party.
The tension between Tinubu and El-Rufai has been escalating for months. Supporters of the President suggest that El-Rufai’s exclusion was linked to security concerns raised by the National Assembly, while El-Rufai’s allies argue that he was politically outmaneuvered despite his crucial support during the election.
His exclusion has sparked speculation about his future political ambitions, with rumors circulating about a possible alliance with factions opposed to Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
