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In an exclusive report by PREMIUM TIMES, it has been revealed that Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has withdrawn his interest in being part of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, according to sources close to the Presidency.
Sources within the presidency disclosed that during a meeting with President Tinubu on Tuesday, Mr. El-Rufai communicated his decision to forego the ministerial position and instead contribute to Nigeria’s development as a private citizen.
The former governor also cited his commitment to his ongoing doctorate program at a university in The Netherlands as a reason for his withdrawal.
During the meeting, Nasir El-Rufai also recommended Jafaru Ibrahim Sani as a potential ministerial nominee for Kaduna State, highlighting his potential contributions to the administration. Mr. Sani previously served as commissioner in three ministries in Kaduna State during Mr. El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.
This development comes after the Senate’s confirmation of 45 ministerial nominees, during which Mr. El-Rufai’s confirmation was withheld, alongside those of two other nominees, due to security reports from the State Security Service.
Upon learning of the Senate’s decision, Mr. El-Rufai swiftly arranged a meeting with President Tinubu to discuss his status. During their conversation, President Tinubu revealed that he had received critical petitions regarding Mr. El-Rufai’s nomination. The president requested a 24-hour grace period to review these petitions and the security reports before reaching a final decision.
In response, Nasir El-Rufai expressed his decision to withdraw from ministerial consideration, suggesting that forces within the president’s circle were actively opposing his nomination. Previously, during his confirmation hearing, Mr. El-Rufai had disclosed President Tinubu’s invitation to work on resolving Nigeria’s power challenges.
El-Rufai’s decision to withdraw is unexpected, considering the prominent role he was expected to play in addressing the nation’s energy crisis. It is unclear what led to this sudden change of course between the two prominent figures.
With his ministerial prospects now abandoned, Mr. El-Rufai is set to refocus on his doctoral studies in public policy at the United Nations University, Maastricht. His associates have noted his initial intention to exit public life and concentrate on his academic pursuits upon leaving office as governor earlier this year.
When approached for comment, Muyiwa Adekeye, the media adviser to Mr. El-Rufai, declined to provide further information.
