Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has revealed that political leaders were fully aware of the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago University before the 2023 presidential election, including accusations of pushing and shipping drugs during his time in the United States.
Despite this knowledge, they decided to throw their support behind him, believing he had the potential to lead Nigeria effectively.
The issue of Tinubu’s alleged falsified Chicago certificate was a major talking point in the lead-up to the 2023 general election and even faced legal challenges after the polls.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai—who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and has since been vocal in his criticism of Tinubu’s administration—admitted that he and other political figures backed Tinubu despite the scandal. Their decision, he explained, was based on Tinubu’s track record as Lagos State governor.
However, El-Rufai now expresses deep disappointment, stating that Tinubu has failed to live up to expectations. “What pains me is that we supported a government we had confidence in because we saw what Tinubu achieved in Lagos despite his challenges,” he said. “We all knew about his Chicago issues, but we thought if he could replicate his Lagos success on a national scale, we should back him. Unfortunately, he has failed miserably.”
The former governor also used the platform to call on prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to unite under the SDP banner to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges. “My hope and prayer is that all opposition leaders join the SDP to help salvage the country,” he urged.
Addressing speculations of disloyalty to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai dismissed claims of betrayal. He clarified that their relationship was rooted in professional ties rather than political allegiance. Reflecting on the rift between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku during their time in office, El-Rufai—who served as FCT Minister under Obasanjo—explained that he and others sided with Obasanjo because they believed he was in the right.
“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar. We didn’t meet in politics; we met through work,” El-Rufai said. “In work, if I see someone isn’t performing well, I’ll say it, no matter who they are. I told Buhari the truth and even sued him over the new naira policy. When Obasanjo and Atiku clashed, those of us with Obasanjo reviewed the situation and concluded he was more justified. It wasn’t about regional divides; it was about who was right. Atiku and I are now together—if I had betrayed him, would that be the case?”
