Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has set the record straight, emphatically stating that he never betrayed Atiku Abubakar, the former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In a candid interview with BBC Hausa Service, El-Rufai shared his thoughts on the current political landscape and called on key opposition leaders to consider joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, who recently made headlines for his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join SDP, addressed the longstanding accusations of betrayal. “I never betrayed Atiku,” El-Rufai asserted. “We didn’t meet through politics; we met through work. If I see someone not performing well, regardless of who they are, I will speak out, and I did so with Buhari, even taking him to court over the new naira issue.”
Reflecting on his past support for President Bola Tinubu, El-Rufai admitted his disappointment. He recalled the faith they had in Tinubu’s ability to replicate his successful Lagos governance on a national level. However, he lamented that despite their hopes, the president fell short of expectations.
Speaking on his relationship with Atiku, El-Rufai recalled how he and other members of the Obasanjo administration had sided with Obasanjo during a rift with Atiku, believing that Obasanjo was in the right. Now, he insists that there was no betrayal and points to the fact that he and Atiku are now on the same side.
In his closing remarks, El-Rufai extended a bold invitation to key figures in the opposition, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, urging them to join the SDP. El-Rufai expressed his desire for a stronger opposition, one that could better challenge the status quo and bring about meaningful change in Nigeria.
As the political landscape continues to shift, El-Rufai’s comments have raised eyebrows, and it remains to be seen whether his call for unity under the SDP will gain traction among Nigeria’s leading political figures.
