The Myth Of El-Rufai’s Influence In Kaduna: A Reality Check

ENGR. TAIWO ABIODUN 

In recent times, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has launched a needless and unwarranted attack against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, portraying himself as a political kingmaker who single-handedly delivered Kaduna to the APC in 2023.

However, a closer examination of the election results in Kaduna State reveals a completely different reality—one that exposes the myth of El-Rufai’s political dominance and calls into question his sudden antagonism towards the President.

In the 2023 Presidential election, the APC, under El-Rufai, suffered a clear defeat in Kaduna State, losing to Atiku Abubakar of the PDP by a significant margin. This loss extended beyond the presidential race. The PDP swept all three senatorial seats in the state, while in the House of Representatives elections, the PDP secured nine seats, the Labour Party won two, and the APC managed only three. These results indicate a strong rejection of the APC in Kaduna, despite El-Rufai’s claims of control over the state’s political landscape.

The governorship election further debunks the illusion of El-Rufai’s so-called influence. The APC’s candidate, Uba Sani, won by a razor-thin margin of just 11,000 votes—an outcome that hardly suggests overwhelming support for the party. Moreover, the APC lost several State House of Assembly seats to the PDP, further demonstrating that the party’s grip on Kaduna had significantly weakened under El-Rufai’s leadership.

Given these facts, El-Rufai’s current attacks on President Tinubu appear to be driven by personal grievances rather than any genuine political or ideological differences. If indeed he had the political influence he claims, APC’s performance in Kaduna would have been far stronger. Instead, the results show a state that largely rejected his brand of politics.

Despite this miscalculated approach, it would be in El-Rufai’s best interest to reconsider his stance and realign himself with the APC and President Tinubu. If his grievances are genuine, they should be addressed through diplomatic and structured dialogue rather than through public confrontations that only serve to create further division.

With the 2027 political season on the horizon, airing internal disputes in the public domain does little to strengthen party unity or advance national interests.

Constructive engagement within the party framework remains the most effective way to resolve differences and influence decision-making.

Instead of deepening rifts, El-Rufai should channel his political experience and influence toward fostering stability and contributing positively to governance.

Nigeria requires leaders who focus on nation-building and collective progress, rather than personal conflicts that distract from pressing national issues.

My kobo kobo advice.

– Engr. Taiwo Abiodun writes from Lagos State.