Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly praised Minister Bosun Tijani’s performance in office.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that El-Rufai suggested the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy may retain his role under a different government.
El-Rufai made the comments during the Arewa Tech Fest in Katsina, a major event promoting northern Nigeria’s tech growth.
The three-day festival brought together startups, innovators, investors, and policymakers across the country.
Minister Bosun Tijani served as the keynote speaker at the event, highlighting the government’s progress in the digital economy.
El-Rufai arrived late and gave a direct explanation for his delayed attendance.
He revealed that he attended a high-level coalition meeting the night before in Abuja.
According to him, the meeting was focused on unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
“Yesterday at 8pm, I had to attend a very important coalition meeting,” El-Rufai told the audience in Katsina.
He added, “That’s why I couldn’t travel, Katsina airport closes at 8pm.”
The former governor’s remarks highlighted his growing involvement in an emerging opposition alliance.
El-Rufai is increasingly positioning himself as a central figure in a political movement challenging Tinubu’s reelection bid.
His open endorsement of Bosun Tijani underscores a shift toward performance-based leadership over strict party loyalty.
“We will still keep Bosun Tijani because he is doing good work,” El-Rufai declared confidently.
He further stated, “Bosun is doing exactly what we need in the digital space, he’s building the future.”
El-Rufai emphasized that Nigeria must maintain its digital progress, regardless of who wins the 2027 elections.
This praise from an opposition figure signals a rare cross-party acknowledgment of effective governance.
Reports in March indicated that El-Rufai had defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This potential defection marked a major shift in the country’s political dynamics ahead of 2027.
El-Rufai has been building alliances across party lines in recent months.
He is reportedly mobilizing support and coordinating with other political actors to form a united opposition front.
Despite the political undertones, El-Rufai remained focused on the importance of Nigeria’s technological advancement.
His endorsement of Tijani suggests a desire for continuity where positive outcomes are being achieved.
Observers believe his comments may influence public opinion and political calculations ahead of the elections.
El-Rufai’s stance reflects a pragmatic approach, blending political ambition with national development priorities.
By backing a minister in the current administration, he reinforced the need to separate politics from progress.
His comments have stirred both support and criticism across political and civic spaces.
As Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, his influence within and beyond opposition ranks may continue to grow.
Kindly share!!