Newscenter Media News Immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari approved of his decision to resign from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to pitch his tent with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai who announced his detection from the APC Monday, in a interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday night, stated that he sought the approval to dump the APC from Buhari and got his consent before leaving the party where he was a founding member.
“I left APC with his (Buhari’s) knowledge. I went to him on Friday and informed him that I was leaving the party. There is nothing I do without informing him,” the former FCT stated.
El-Rufai also stated that even as Kaduna governor, he would seek Buhari’s approval before appointing commissioners.
He further explained that he always submitted a list of nominees to the former president for review to ensure none had insulted him.
“Even when I was Kaduna governor, before appointing commissioners, I would present a list to him for review, ensuring none had ever insulted him.
“After reviewing it, he would say there was no problem, and he would pray for success. I consulted him on everything I did,” he added.
He however denied that Buhari was his political godfather, though he admitted he sought political advice from certain individuals before making any important decisions in his political life.
“What is a godfather? I have elders whom I consult before making any major decision. If they advise me to halt a plan, I do so. My primary political mentor is Muhammadu Buhari.
“As for the others, I won’t mention them to avoid undue pressure on them,” he explained.
Speaking on his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, the former governor stated that although Tinubu had not treated him as expected, he had no regrets supporting him in the 2023 presidential election.
“I have no regrets supporting him, but I feel blindsided. However, I supported Tinubu for two reasons.
“First, Yoruba Muslim leaders from the Southwest came to me in Kaduna, explaining that their people were facing political challenges. That was the first reason I supported Tinubu.
“The second reason was our agreement that the presidency should return to Southern Nigeria in 2023 to ensure balance and fairness in the country,” El-Rufai stated.
On why he left the APC, he reiterated that the party had deviated from its founding principles.
“The APC abandoned the ideals that led to its formation. It has abandoned the people. Everyone is now pursuing personal interests and wealth. The government has become a business enterprise where everything has a price.
“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.
“That is why I consult Tunde Bakare, Buhari, Abdullahi Adamu, Adams Oshiomhole, and Bisi Akande before making my decision,” El-Rufai stated.
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