El-Rufai clarifies visit to Buhari, says it was not political
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculations surrounding his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that the meeting was not politically motivated.
El-Rufai was part of a delegation led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that visited Buhari at his residence in Kaduna on Friday. Other notable figures in the delegation included former governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Isa Pantami (former Minister of Communications), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), and Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa).
In a post shared via X, El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said the gathering was centered on “unity and brotherhood,” and not tied to any political agenda.
“We joined other faithful for Jumaat prayers at the Yahaya Road Mosque and had a sumptuous lunch at the Buhari residence,” he wrote.
“Our adversaries should not lose sleep. It is not about politics. It is about unity and brotherhood. And since we are all politically irrelevant, we just prayed and enjoyed lunch with our mentor.”
El-Rufai also revealed that he informed Buhari before leaving the APC, stating that he does not make major political decisions without consulting the former president. According to him, Buhari offered prayers and support after learning of his decision.
Despite El-Rufai’s departure from the APC, Buhari has reiterated his loyalty to the ruling party.
In a statement released by his media aide, Garba Shehu, the former president reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, saying he would never abandon the party that brought him to power.
