- Former Kaduna Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that ministerial appointments under President Tinubu's administration were influenced by financial payments
- He claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) abandoned its original ideals, prioritising personal wealth over governance
- El-Rufai added that the current administration’s key appointments were controlled by a select group from Lagos
Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, claimed that he knows individuals who paid for ministerial appointments under President Bola Tinubu's administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, March 12, El-Rufai explained that his departure from the party was not linked to his ministerial aspirations but rather due to the APC's shift away from its founding principles.
El-Rufai denies seeking ministerial appointment, claims people paid
He revealed that had the party expelled him, it would have saved him from the trouble of explaining his exit.
"It could have been easier for me if the APC had sacked me, as it would have spared me the stress of explaining why I left the party," he said.
El-Rufai also responded to questions regarding speculation that his exit was connected to his failure to secure a ministerial position. He denied seeking a ministerial appointment and further claimed to know individuals who had paid to obtain such roles.
"I did not seek to be a minister. I know people who paid to get ministerial appointments," he stated.
While he expressed no regret in supporting Tinubu’s presidential ambition, El-Rufai voiced his disappointment over how he had been treated.
El-Rufai alleges APC appointments are controlled by group from Lagos
He lamented the APC's departure from the ideals it once stood for, claiming that personal interests now dominate the party's operations, making it difficult for long-standing contributors to be acknowledged or rewarded.
"The APC has abandoned the ideals that led to its formation. It has abandoned the people. Now, everyone is pursuing personal interests and wealth. The government has become a business enterprise where everything has a price," he remarked.
El-Rufai further alleged that key appointments in the current administration were controlled by a select group from Lagos, reinforcing his belief that the APC no longer values fairness and justice.
"There is no justice. Those who worked for the party are not recognised, let alone rewarded. Appointments are now controlled by a select group from Lagos. The party is dead," he stated.
El-Rufai further revealed that he had consulted several political figures, including former president Muhammadu Buhari, Tunde Bakare, Abdullahi Adamu, Adams Oshiomhole, and Bisi Akande, to seek their counsel before leaving the party.
2027:Osinbajo, Obi, Aregbesola, other politicians who could join El-Rufai at SDP
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that speculations had it that figures like Yemi Osinbajo, Peter Obi may join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following Nasir El-Rufai’s defection.
TheRadar compiled a list of key political figures reportedly touted to defect to the SDP to challenge APC in the upcoming 2027 elections.