El-Rufai denies allegations of opposing Tinubu during 2023 election campaign

DDM News

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly refuted claims suggesting that he opposed President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.

In a recent statement, El-Rufai clarified that his political actions were solely driven by a deep commitment to the nation and the All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than any personal ambition.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) he categorically dismissed allegations that he was disloyal to the president or failed to support him during the crucial election campaign.

El-Rufai took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to address the accusations, explaining that his support for Tinubu and the APC was born out of selflessness and patriotism.

“We did what we did for God, country, and party, expecting nothing in return,” he posted, adding that he had no personal agenda and acted purely in the interest of Nigeria and his party.

The former governor further elaborated that the unfolding events were merely part of life’s experiences and the natural course of politics.

“What is unfolding is merely another life experience and part of human nature. We have moved on, but their conscience won’t let them sleep well. Thanks anyway,” he added, directing the remark at those questioning his loyalty.

El-Rufai’s statement came in response to a user on social media who suggested that President Tinubu and his allies had initially sought El-Rufai’s support during the election campaign, only to later accuse him of not backing the president when he was needed.

Despite the allegations, El-Rufai remained firm in his denial, emphasizing that his political choices had always been motivated by a commitment to the APC and national progress.

Throughout his political career, El-Rufai has been one of the key figures within the APC, and his contributions to the party have been widely recognized.

In November 2022, he publicly endorsed Tinubu’s presidential bid, praising his leadership abilities and expressing confidence that Tinubu would bring much-needed transformation to Nigeria.

During the launch of the Kaduna State APC Campaign Council, El-Rufai asserted that Tinubu, an experienced leader with a proven track record in Lagos State, would replicate the success he achieved in Lagos on a national scale.

In addition to defending his position during the election, El-Rufai has recently been the subject of rumors claiming he had switched allegiance to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The speculations arose in January 2025, with some reports suggesting that El-Rufai had defected from the APC to the PDP.

However, El-Rufai swiftly dismissed these claims as “patent lies” and announced that he had instructed his lawyers to take legal action against those spreading the false rumors.

“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai stated, reiterating his loyalty to the APC and his commitment to the party’s cause.

With these recent clarifications, El-Rufai has firmly positioned himself as a steadfast supporter of President Tinubu and the APC, despite the controversies and rumors surrounding his political activities.