Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, shares how President Tinubu’s birthday message to him sparked a response from political foes
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has spoken out about the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s congratulatory message on his 65th birthday, noting that the message had a significant ripple effect.
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El-Rufai, who recently celebrated his milestone birthday, acknowledged that the president’s unexpected gesture seemed to prompt even his political adversaries to extend their own best wishes.
In a message of gratitude issued on Monday, El-Rufai expressed appreciation for the flood of birthday messages, admitting that the prayers and well-wishes were both humbling and overwhelming.
He took to social media to thank everyone who sent him messages, including those who may not have done so had it not been for President Tinubu’s public gesture.
“I want to thank everyone that sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those that didn’t want to, until President Tinubu’s message shamed them into action,” El-Rufai wrote, reflecting on how the birthday wishes had, in his view, forced some of his political critics to reconsider their stance.
While acknowledging the political tension between him and the president in recent years, El-Rufai described the well-wishes as “humbling and gratifying.”
He further wished for continued prosperity for the people of Nigeria, reflecting on the significance of the prayers he received during his special day.
This acknowledgment comes despite the long-standing political rift between El-Rufai and Tinubu, with the former governor having been critical of the current administration.
Over the past months, El-Rufai has publicly questioned Tinubu’s policies, particularly concerning his relationship with the North and the state of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his critiques, El-Rufai even warned that the President might face a political downfall similar to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
In one of his more direct attacks on the ruling party, El-Rufai stated, “I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing.
You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.” He also took aim at his successor, Governor Uba Sani, accusing him of sycophancy towards the president.
Despite these public criticisms, President Tinubu’s birthday message praised El-Rufai’s political acumen, calling him a top administrator and a brilliant politician.
Many observers were taken aback by the warm message, given the apparent tension between the two figures.
