01/09/2025
Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, was interviewed on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on August 31, 2025, not September 1, 2025, as your query suggests. The interview, aired at 7 PM WAT, covered several key topics. Below is a summary based on available information:
Criticism of Tinubu’s Administration: El-Rufai claimed he contributed to Bola Tinubu’s presidency but stated that the administration has "derailed" from its purpose, prioritizing personal gain over public interest.
He asserted his right to criticize, saying, “If Asiwaju’s government has derailed and is not doing what we thought he will do and not siding the interest of Nigerians, I should not criticize him because I contributed in bringing him, is that the logic in Nigeria these days?”
Relationship with Governor Uba Sani: El-Rufai clarified that current Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani is not his friend but his mentee, denying any fallout. He said, “Kaduna state governor (Uba Sani) is not my friend... he is my mentee. We have not fallen out.”
Insecurity and Banditry: He accused the federal government of “empowering” bandits, citing instances where Kaduna paid bandits N1 billion after school attacks.
He criticized the government’s approach, stating, “This government is the only government that came to make money from day 1 for itself and its cronies.”
Response to Critics: El-Rufai dismissed accusations of being a fundamentalist, saying, “I don’t care.
The people who think I am a fundamentalist don’t know me; they have never met me; they have formed their opinion... I am very comfortable with what I am.” He emphasized his indifference to detractors’ views.
Ministerial Nomination: He reiterated that he would have resigned if appointed a minister under Tinubu, as it was not his ambition.
He claimed Tinubu initially begged him to join the cabinet but later changed his mind, and El-Rufai had no regrets about not serving.
Embezzlement Allegations: Addressing accusations of corruption during his tenure, El-Rufai denied being a thief, stating, “We are not thieves, we are not petty thieves, we are not corrupt.”