•El-Rufai and Tinubu
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said those in power are uncomfortable with his return to Nigeria, declaring that the political struggle to unseat the current administration has just begun.
El-Rufai made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa, monitored by our correspondent this morning.
“You know, when that government came, I was among the few people who came out and told her we would oppose it and remove it. There was nothing I did not say,” he stated.
He added that if there were any genuine allegations against him, they would have been addressed long ago, reports Daily Trust.
“If they had anything against me like they claim to have against others, the matter would have long been settled. But even if you want to accuse me, make sure you prove the accusation. I am waiting; whoever invites me, I will go,” he said.
The former governor said his disagreement with the current administration was based on differences in objectives.
“Our objectives are what differ, because when I stood with this government or when I stood with the party, what we are seeing now is not what we saw then. They have changed. If your objectives are different from mine, then we should part ways peacefully. Everyone should go and do their own thing. No fight,” he said.
Speaking on his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, El-Rufai said there was no personal rift between them.
“I have no problem with Tinubu because we have never had any dealings together. Tinubu is not my person; we have never done politics together. We met in APC when Buhari came out and won the election. And Tinubu contributed,” he said.
According to him, there was an understanding within the party that after the eight-year tenure of Muhammadu Buhari, the South-West would be supported, with Tinubu emerging as the beneficiary.
On his successor in Kaduna State, Uba Sani, El-Rufai described him as a political son, dismissing claims of a fallout.
“As for Uba Sani, he is my political son, he himself has said many times that he is my person. We are not at odds; it is only our objectives that differ,” he said.
El-Rufai stressed that political disagreements should not be personalised, noting that reconciliation is common in politics.
“Politics is a profession where, even if you fight, you reconcile. When politicians are fighting, don’t get involved. But now what lies before us is rescuing Nigerians from the hardship they have found themselves in oppression and unemployment,” he said.
He disclosed that although he previously opposed some members of an emerging coalition, the time had come for unity.
“In the past, we opposed some members of the coalition, but now we must come together, forgive one another, and save this country,” he said.
The former governor said he has no immediate ambition to contest any elective office.
“I do not have the intention to contest for any position now, and I do not know what will happen in the future, because in politics anything can happen within 24 hours. For now, what is before me is to contribute to removing this government,” he said.
“Since I contributed to bringing them into power, I must also contribute to removing them. Political struggles are just beginning now, because it is the living who engage in struggle. Why are they watching me closely? They know what I am capable of, and they know we can remove them,” he added.
El-Rufai further alleged that attempts to stop him at the airport were deliberate.
“As I return home some people will not be able to sleep. All these efforts to stop me at the airport was an empty threat, they know better. They prefer that I stay abroad and not return. They know that if we are in Nigeria, we will organise to remove them. And that is what will happen, God willing,” he said.
“I even feel more energised when there is this kind of political struggle,” he added.
