President Bola Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as he celebrates his 65th birthday, despite the recent tensions and criticisms between the two. The gesture comes amidst a period of strained relations, with El-Rufai recently voicing open criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration and accusing close allies of the president of engaging in tribal politics.
Reports have suggested that El-Rufai’s relationship with Tinubu has deteriorated in recent months, particularly after the former governor raised concerns about the direction of the APC government. However, despite the public disagreements, President Tinubu took the opportunity to commend El-Rufai for his distinguished service to Nigeria in a statement issued on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
In the statement, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted El-Rufai’s achievements, describing him as a “distinguished scholar, administrator, and politician.” The president acknowledged El-Rufai’s significant contributions to the development of democracy in Nigeria and recognized his important role in the formation of the APC.
Tinubu also praised El-Rufai for his dedication to mentoring younger generations, emphasizing how the former governor had shaped the future of Nigerian politics. He expressed gratitude for El-Rufai’s leadership during his tenure as Kaduna State governor, as well as for his service as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and his time as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wishing the former governor good health and continued strength, President Tinubu underscored the impact El-Rufai has had on Nigeria’s political landscape.
