PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has felicitated with former Kaduna State Governor, on his 65th birthday, eulogising his resourcefulness and brilliance.
Tinubu in a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described El-Rufai as an administrator, scholar, and politician.
The President commended El-Rufai for his “endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation.”
He acknowledged Mallam El-Rufai’s “role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.”
“President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.”
El-Rufai, who served as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, was governor of Kaduna State for eight years.
Though a former ally of Tinubu, the former governor has suddenly become a fierce critic of the current administration.
A member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he has been having a running battle with his successor, Uba Sani, accusing the governor of seeking the President’s favour.
On Tuesday, El-Rufai claimed that the relationship between the President and the North had deteriorated, warning that Tinubu might face the same political fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2027 elections.
