Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has shed light on his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, clarifying that it was the President, not the National Assembly, who ultimately rejected his nomination. El-Rufai, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also used the platform to advocate for a significant shift in the nation’s economic strategy, urging the federal government to divest from the oil and gas sector to foster growth and efficiency.
El-Rufai’s comments have sparked widespread discussion, not only for their political implications but also for their bold economic prescriptions. His revelations about his ministerial nomination and his critique of the government’s handling of the oil and gas industry provide a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of the APC and the challenges facing Nigeria’s economy.
El-Rufai’s assertion that President Tinubu rejected him as a ministerial nominee contradicts earlier narratives that suggested the National Assembly was responsible for blocking his appointment. The former governor, who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Olusegun Obasanjo, explained that Tinubu had initially encouraged him to join his administration. According to El-Rufai, the President publicly appealed to him to put his personal plans on hold and serve in his government after he left office as Kaduna State governor.
“Since I left office and the President begged me publicly to come and serve in his government, I had my plans,” El-Rufai said. “I told President Tinubu from day one when he asked me to support him that I would, but I don’t want anything. Politics in Nigeria is always about what do I get for giving you support. I’m not in politics for that reason. I’m not in politics to get anything. I have a surname, and I’m a self-made man. I’ve made money before coming into public office. I don’t need anything.”
El-Rufai revealed that after eight years as Kaduna State governor, he was “nearly burnt out” and had intended to take a break from public service. However, Tinubu’s persistent appeals led to two months of negotiations, during which they agreed that El-Rufai would be nominated as a minister under certain conditions. “I think along the line, either the President changed his mind or something else,” he said. “Please don’t believe the story that the National Assembly rejected me. The National Assembly had nothing to do with this. The President didn’t want me in his cabinet; he changed his mind.”
Despite the setback, El-Rufai emphasized that he has moved on and harbors no ill feelings. “Whatever it is, I don’t care, and I’ve moved on,” he said. “Since I’ve moved on, I’ve not said a word, I’ve not granted an interview, I’ve not commented on the government. But it is within my right as a founding member of the All Progressives Congress to ask why the party isn’t functioning.”
Beyond the political drama, El-Rufai used the interview to address broader issues affecting Nigeria’s economy. He argued that the federal government should withdraw from the oil and gas sector, describing its continued involvement as a hindrance to growth and efficiency. According to El-Rufai, the government’s role in the sector has led to inefficiencies, corruption, and a lack of innovation, which have stifled the nation’s economic potential.
“Why should the Nigerian government be in the oil and gas sector?” El-Rufai asked. “The government should get out of the oil and gas sector. It is not the business of government to be in business. The government should focus on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.”
El-Rufai’s call for divestment aligns with the views of many economists who argue that Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil revenues has created a mono-economy vulnerable to global market fluctuations. He pointed out that the government’s involvement in the sector has not translated into significant benefits for the average Nigerian, as corruption and mismanagement have plagued the industry for decades.
“The oil and gas sector should be left to the private sector,” he said. “The government should focus on regulation and creating policies that encourage investment and innovation. By doing so, we can attract more foreign direct investment, create jobs, and increase revenue for the government.”
El-Rufai also highlighted the need for diversification, urging the government to invest in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. He argued that Nigeria’s vast natural resources and youthful population provide a solid foundation for economic transformation if properly harnessed.
El-Rufai’s revelations and recommendations come at a critical juncture for Nigeria. The country faces numerous challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity, which have exacerbated public dissatisfaction with the government. His call for the government to exit the oil and gas sector and focus on creating an enabling environment for private enterprise resonates with many who believe that Nigeria’s economic potential remains untapped.
Moreover, his candid account of his exclusion from Tinubu’s cabinet underscores the complexities and internal tensions within the APC. As a founding member of the party, El-Rufai’s comments raise questions about the party’s unity and its ability to deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.
While El-Rufai has stated that he has moved on from the ministerial nomination saga, his decision to speak out now suggests that he remains committed to influencing the direction of the party and the country. His advocacy for economic reform and his critique of the government’s handling of the oil and gas sector may well reignite debates about Nigeria’s economic future and the role of the state in driving development.
As Nigeria navigates these challenges, voices like El-Rufai’s will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the national conversation. Whether his recommendations will be heeded remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the need for bold and innovative solutions has never been more urgent.
