Allegations of political maneuvering involving influential figures close to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and within the Senate have emerged, suggesting a concerted effort to prevent the appointment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a minister in the current administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that El-Rufai’s ministerial confirmation process was halted following a security report presented by the Department of State Security (DSS)….CONTINUE READING

Recent revelations suggest that this decision to delay his confirmation was the outcome of intricate political dynamics involving prominent figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.

Sources suggest that these influential individuals, anticipating the post-Tinubu era, harbor concerns that assigning El-Rufai a cabinet role could elevate him to a position of significant political influence.

During El-Rufai’s Senate screening, a petition was referenced by Senator Sunday Karimi from Kogi State, addressing matters of “security, unity, and cohesiveness.” While Akpabio brushed off El-Rufai’s attempt to address the petition, it is alleged that the petition was provided to Senator Karimi by Akpabio himself on the morning of the screening, leading to immediate recognition by Akpabio once the issue was raised.

A Senate insider disclosed that the letter relied upon by the Senate President to suspend El-Rufai’s confirmation, along with others, was directed to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and was signed by Aminu Yusuf, a Director in the office of the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS).

Reports further indicate that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila were allegedly involved in orchestrating the signing of the letter by a Director from the SSS.

Reliable sources suggest that Shettima, Ribadu, and Gbajabiamila perceive El-Rufai as a potential threat to their ambitions. Amid their preparations for the future, potentially in 2027 or 2031, they are purportedly wary of his influence within the government and fear that his involvement might hinder their aspirations.