Hussaini Kafi in Kano
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as he marks his 65th birthday.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised El-Rufai as a “resourceful and brilliant” administrator, acknowledging his contributions to the nation and his role in the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The president commended El-Rufai’s commitment to democracy, his service as Kaduna State governor, and his tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He also recognized El-Rufai’s influence in shaping the APC’s success in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections, wishing him good health and continued service to the nation.
However, despite the celebratory tone of the message, the political relationship between the two men has been anything but smooth in recent months.
Tensions have been brewing since El-Rufai’s exclusion from Tinubu’s cabinet after the Senate declined to confirm his ministerial appointment, citing security concerns.
The decision was seen by many as a significant blow to El-Rufai, who played a key role in mobilizing support for Tinubu’s presidential bid.
The former governor has since distanced himself from the administration, with reports suggesting growing discontent over the direction of governance.
Some of El-Rufai’s allies have also criticized the Tinubu administration for allegedly sidelining key figures who were instrumental in the APC’s rise to power.
While Tinubu’s birthday message appears to be a gesture of goodwill, political observers believe it does little to mask the deepening cracks within the APC. El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the president’s message, further fueling speculation that the rivalry between the two political heavyweights is far from over.
