UPDATED: Setting aside political differences, Tinubu hails ex-Kaduna governor at 65

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, congratulated Nasir El-Rufai on his 65th birthday, setting aside political differences that have a wedge between the two of them since 2023.

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Mr El-Rufai is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and highly regarded for his resourcefulness and brilliance, the president said in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his spokesperson.

Mr El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, from 2015 to 2023, and prior to elective office, he served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007.

As a vocal APC governor, he played a key role in Mr Tinubu’s campaign for office in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election.

During the campaign, Mr Tinubu spoke publicly of Mr El-Rufai as an asset his administration would need.

After winning the election and being inaugurated into office, Mr Tinubu nominated El-Rufai as a minister. But in what was believed to be with the tacit support of the presidency, the Senate refused to clear him for appointment, citing security concerns.

Since then, the relationship between Mr El-Rufai and the Tinubu has progressively soured. Mr El-Rufai has been increasingly critical of the government, and recently said he has been marked for arrest by the government.

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But in spite of the worsening political differences with Mr El-Rufai, President Tinubu commended the Kaduna State governor’s endeavours for democracy, his meritorious service to the nation, and his mentorship of the younger generation.

He acknowledged Mr El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.

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“President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation,” Mr Onanuga wrote in the statement.

Similarly, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State congratulated Mr El-Rufai on his birthday on Sunday.

Mr Sani, another political ally-turned-adversary, shared his good wishes for his predecessor on social media.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to my dear brother, friend and predecessor, His Excellency, Malam Nasir El-Rufai CON on the occasion of his 65th birthday. I pray the Almighty Allah to continue to guide, protect and strengthen His Excellency,” Mr Sani wrote.