I Wish He Wasn’t Suffering” – Ex-Minister Shittu Shows Rare Sympathy For El-Rufai Amid Troubles

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Adebayo Shittu, has expressed sympathy for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over the political challenges he is currently grappling with.

In an interview with Arise News, Shittu acknowledged El-Rufai’s role in the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his contributions to national politics, despite their past political differences.

“I feel for El-Rufai because of all he contributed to the APC. I really wish he wasn’t facing these difficulties. If there was a way I could support him, I would,” Shittu said.

The former minister further described Kaduna’s political atmosphere as fragile, stressing that with the ongoing shifts, it is too early for anyone to claim complete dominance or victory in the state.

Meanwhile, APC chieftain in Kano State, Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, accused El-Rufai of attempting to undermine President Bola Tinubu and other key politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwankwaso, in a statement, described the former governor as an “expired politician” who resorts to blackmail, lies, and desperate tactics to remain relevant.

According to him, El-Rufai’s political manoeuvres have consistently failed, with the recent by-election in Kaduna serving as clear proof of his lack of grassroots support and acceptance.

He further warned that El-Rufai cannot derail President Tinubu’s 2027 ambition the same way he mobilised against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, noting that Nigerians are already aware of his “nefarious tendencies.”