Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna, has claimed that some individuals paid money to become ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai restated Tinubu’s request for him to serve as a minister to fix the country’s recurring electrical crisis.
When asked if he quit the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of the ministerial snub, El-Rufai replied that he did not “contest” for the position but was implored by the president to be selected.
“Yes, that’s what they say, but did I contest for minister? I know some that paid money before they put their names as ministers,” El-Rufai said.
“Mr President begged me, and even the whole world knows he begged me in Kaduna, and he asked me to come and work with him.
“I didn’t accept it until we met and talked with him. He told me that he wants me to tackle the issue of electricity.
“He said all past presidents have failed, and he wants to be the president that would make that electricity issue come to an end. Because of this challenge, I thought he was real.”
When asked if he regretted supporting Tinubu in 2023, he responded no, but added that he is unhappy.
On Monday, the former minister resigned from the APC and joined the Social Democratic Party.
Before leaving the APC, El-Rufai had criticised the ruling party and the Tinubu administration.
Tinubu sent a list of cabinet nominations, including El-Rufai, to the Senate in July 2023 for consideration and confirmation.
However, the Senate withheld El-Rufai, Stella Okotete (Delta), and Danladi Abubakar (Taraba) nominations, citing security concerns.
Discussion about this post