How Tinubu begged me to join his govt to solve power crisis – El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu personally appealed to him to join his government to help address Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai revealed that Tinubu made the request during a visit to Kaduna in 2023, while campaigning for the presidency.

According to El-Rufai, the president acknowledged the country’s persistent power sector issues and asked him to contribute his expertise. Despite this request, El-Rufai claimed he was later excluded from the administration.

““President begged me in front of everybody in Kaduna to come and work with him. Still, I didn’t give him my approval until when I sat down and he told me this is what I want you to do,” he said.

“Issue of electricity has denied Nigeria so much development and every past president has tried and failed to fix it so he needs my help to achieve it.”

He further explained that he left the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the party’s deviation 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 consulted Tunde Bakare, Buhari, Abdullahi Adamu, Adams Oshiomhole, and Bisi Akande before making my decision,” he stated.

“I have no regrets supporting him, but I feel blindsided. However, I supported Tinubu for two reasons,” El-Rufai stated.

“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,” he added.

On whether he had a political godfather, El-Rufai denied the notion but admitted to seeking advice from certain individuals.

“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 said.