President Bola Tinubu has extended birthday wishes to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, despite the latter’s recent criticism of his administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended El-Rufai’s contributions to democracy, service to the nation, and his mentorship of younger politicians.
The president also recognised the former governor’s role in the formation of the APC and his efforts in securing victories for the party in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections.
The birthday message comes amid a series of scathing remarks by El-Rufai about the state of the APC and the trajectory of the Tinubu administration.
In a recent post on his verified X handle, titled “2027: South West, Tinubu’s Supporters Playing With Fire – Part 1”, El-Rufai warned that Tinubu’s relationship with the North had soured less than two years into his presidency and that he may be rejected by the North in the next presidential election.
2027: SOUTH WEST, TINUBU’S SUPPORTERS PLAYING WITH FIRE – Part 1
It is actually premature to be talking about 2027 elections less than 2 years into our first tenure, but what is happening in the political arena is forcing me to speak to it, for as they say, ‘a stitch in time…
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, expressed concern over the party’s alleged failure to align with its progressive ideology.
According to him, the APC under Tinubu could face the same fate as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which lost power after 16 years in government.
He argued that many members of the APC, particularly from the South-West, were alienating northern support through their utterances and actions.
The former governor claimed that people within the president’s inner circle were displaying arrogance and ignoring political history, which, he claimed, could lead to APC’s downfall in 2027.
According to El-Rufai, Jonathan’s perceived indifference to northern political sentiments played a key role in his electoral defeat. He believes Tinubu’s allies are now repeating the same.
But despite the criticism, Tinubu, in his birthday message, lauded El-Rufai’s contributions to governance both as Kaduna State governor, FCT Minister, and Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises.
“President Tinubu celebrates Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation.
“The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.
“President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation,” said Onanuga.
