- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated Nasir El-Rufai on his birthday, describing him as a man of intellect, courage and uncommon sagacity
- Atiku stated that El-Rufai’s record of service remained undeniable despite ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
- El-Rufai had also written to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu over alleged thallium sulphate procurement, while the Office of the National Security Adviser reportedly asked him to submit any evidence to the DSS
A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a man of “intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity”.
In a goodwill message shared on his official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, Atiku praised El-Rufai’s leadership qualities and record of public service, despite what he characterised as political challenges currently confronting the former governor.
“Happy Birthday to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” Atiku wrote. “A man of intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity.”
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated that El-Rufai’s achievements and clarity of purpose remain evident notwithstanding ongoing controversies surrounding him.
“Even amid the present political persecution and needless distractions, his record of service and clarity of thought and purpose remain undeniable,” Atiku added.
He further wished the former Kaduna governor strength, peace and divine guidance in the years ahead, praying that he would continue to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
El-Rufai has remained in the headlines in recent weeks following an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and invitations extended to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over ongoing investigations.
The former governor, who recently returned to Nigeria from Egypt, has also made allegations against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, demanding clarification over an alleged plan to procure thallium sulphate from Poland.
In a letter addressed to Ribadu on Sunday, El-Rufai reportedly described thallium sulphate as a highly toxic and tightly regulated substance, stressing the need for transparency regarding its intended use. He outlined six areas in which he sought clarification, including the purpose and end-use of the substance, the identity of the supplier, whether due authorisation was obtained, the quantity and concentration involved, storage arrangements, and the nature of regulatory oversight by agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
El-Rufai maintained that his request was made in good faith and argued that openness would strengthen public trust in national institutions. For completeness, he stated that copies of his correspondence had been forwarded to other relevant authorities.
However, the Office of the National Security Adviser has reportedly directed El-Rufai to submit any evidence relating to the alleged procurement to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
As political tensions continue to simmer, Atiku’s public show of support underscores the shifting alliances and rivalries shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.