Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has taken a swipe at his critics, claiming that President Bola Tinubu’s birthday message to him left them with no choice but to acknowledge his special day. This comes amid ongoing tensions between El-Rufai and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following his scathing remarks about the party’s internal democracy.
The Birthday Message That Sparked Controversy
On February 16, 2025, President Bola Tinubu sent a heartfelt birthday message to El-Rufai, praising his contributions to Nigerian politics. This gesture came as a surprise to many, especially given El-Rufai’s recent criticism of the APC.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), El-Rufai expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of birthday wishes but couldn’t resist taking a dig at those who only acknowledged his birthday after Tinubu’s message.
“The prayers and good wishes were quite humbling and gratifying, but far too many and overwhelming for individual acknowledgment or response by me, hence this message,” he wrote. “I want to thank everyone who sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those who didn’t want to until President Tinubu’s message shamed them into action.”
El-Rufai’s Criticism of the APC
El-Rufai’s relationship with the APC has been strained in recent months. The former governor has accused the party of lacking internal democracy under Tinubu’s leadership, claiming that key party organs have failed to meet in the last two years.
“I no longer recognize the APC,” El-Rufai stated bluntly in a recent interview. His comments have sparked debates within the party, with some members defending Tinubu’s leadership and others echoing El-Rufai’s concerns.
Engaging with the Opposition
While his relationship with the APC remains frosty, El-Rufai has been cozying up to opposition figures. He has been seen engaging with former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
These interactions have fueled speculation about El-Rufai’s political future. Is he considering a switch to the opposition, or is he simply exploring alliances to push for reforms within the APC?
A Message of Gratitude and Defiance
In his birthday message, El-Rufai struck a tone of gratitude and defiance. He thanked his supporters for their prayers and good wishes, while subtly calling out those who hesitated to acknowledge him until Tinubu’s intervention.
“May Almighty Allah grant us even longer life, in good health, happiness, and prosperity, in a Nigeria that flourishes as a beacon of progressive governance, democracy, and equal opportunity for all,” he concluded.
A Political Enigma
Nasir El-Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most polarizing political figures. His recent actions—criticizing the APC, engaging with the opposition, and mocking his critics—have kept him in the spotlight.
As the political landscape continues to shift, one thing is clear: El-Rufai is not one to back down from a fight. Whether he remains in the APC or charts a new course, his influence on Nigerian politics is undeniable.
