El-Rufai Speaks Out: “They Told Me I Would Never Smell Public Office Again”

DDM News

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed the political cost of writing his controversial 2013 memoir, The Accidental Public Servant.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that El-Rufai made these remarks during the public presentation of former Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke’s new book, where he addressed Nigeria’s harsh political culture.

El-Rufai stated that many close associates warned him that publishing the book was political suicide.

He recalled that after releasing the memoir, some individuals told him directly, “You will never smell public office again.”

He said his decision to document his time in public service was driven by a commitment to truth, not ambition or fear.

According to him, “That book showed how friends abandon you, betray you, how those you’ve helped can turn against you.”

El-Rufai lamented Nigeria’s political environment, where silence is often considered safer than honesty.

He said many believe public officials should “eat, keep quiet, and remain silent” even after leaving office.

Despite the backlash, he insisted he had no regrets about writing the memoir or standing by his convictions.

Speaking in defence of Adoke, El-Rufai commended the former minister’s courage in telling his own side of the story.

He said public servants must not be afraid to speak the truth and document their experiences, even in the face of political persecution.

“You can write a book like that and hold your head high because you know you did nothing wrong while holding public office,” El-Rufai said.

He reiterated that throughout his years in public service, he had nothing to hide.

He maintained that speaking out was not a mistake, regardless of the consequences.

The former FCT Minister stated that Nigeria’s democracy suffers when leaders are intimidated into silence.

He stressed that Nigerians need more honesty, not less, from their public officials.

El-Rufai’s memoir, published in 2013, detailed his experiences in government, conflicts with political figures, and feelings of betrayal by allies.

The book received both praise for its candor and criticism for its blunt tone and controversial revelations.

Since its publication, El-Rufai’s relationship with Nigeria’s political elite has reportedly become more strained.

His recent remarks at Adoke’s book launch may reignite national conversations about transparency, memoirs, and political courage.

In a country where speaking truth can lead to isolation, El-Rufai’s story stands as both a caution and a challenge.

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