A Lot Would Have Gone Differently — Defence Minister Musa Speaks On El-Rufai

Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has suggested that Nigeria could have experienced a different set of developments if former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai had remained actively involved in the country’s political affairs.

Musa made the comment while responding to questions during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.

The Defence Minister accused El-Rufai of promoting divisions among Nigerians, arguing that the country needs leaders who will prioritise unity and national development rather than exploit existing differences.

Musa, while speaking positively about President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, said his interactions with the President had convinced him that Tinubu was genuinely committed to Nigeria’s progress and transformation.

According to the minister, the President has demonstrated a strong desire to see the country advance, stressing that such efforts should not be undermined by political actors who seek to divide Nigerians.

Musa stated that he could not predict exactly what would have happened, but suggested that several developments might have taken a different course had El-Rufai been around.

He maintained that Nigeria should move away from political strategies centred on division and instead focus on issues capable of strengthening national unity, development and progress.

The Defence Minister also urged Nigerians to look beyond political and regional differences and concentrate on what would contribute positively to the country’s future.

He stressed that the emergence of a “new Nigeria” requires citizens and political leaders to work collectively towards building a more united and prosperous nation.