Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has refuted claims that the National Assembly blocked his nomination as a minister under President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, El-Rufai asserted that Tinubu simply reconsidered his appointment, dismissing rumours of a security-related rejection.
El-Rufai explained that after leaving office, Tinubu publicly urged him to lend support, a request he honoured despite initially seeking no reward.
“I’m self-sufficient and didn’t need a role, but after two months of talks, we agreed I’d join his cabinet with conditions,” he said.
“Later, the president altered his decision—please don’t believe the story that the National Assembly rejected me; it was his choice alone.”
Addressing supposed security concerns from the Department of State Services (DSS), El-Rufai questioned their validity.
“What security problem? Show me the evidence,” he challenged.
“Less qualified nominees passed because Tinubu intervened—he’s human, he can rethink plans.”
El-Rufai’s remarks aim to clarify his exclusion from the cabinet, pointing the decision squarely at the president’s discretion.
