In a shocking revelation, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that some individuals paid to secure ministerial appointments in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking in an explosive interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai claimed he was personally begged by Tinubu to join the cabinet but ultimately rejected the offer.
The former minister, whose nomination was blocked by the Senate over alleged security concerns, did not hold back as he accused unnamed figures of bribing their way into power. “I know some who paid money before they put their names as ministers,” he stated, raising serious questions about the integrity of Tinubu’s government.
El-Rufai further revealed that Tinubu specifically sought him out to tackle Nigeria’s electricity crisis, admitting that he initially believed in the president’s vision. However, his tone suggested deep disappointment with the administration’s direction, fueling speculation about internal rifts within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His latest move—resigning from the APC and defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10—has only added to the drama, signaling a major political shift that could shake up Nigeria’s political landscape. As the controversy unfolds, the Tinubu government faces mounting pressure to respond to El-Rufai’s explosive claims. Will these allegations be swept under the rug, or is a political storm on the horizon?
