Nasir El-Rufai reveals that Pastor Tunde Bakare influenced his political involvement. He criticizes the ruling APC for neglecting core values and alleges commercialization within the party. Recent political tensions noted in Rivers State and a significant election victory for the PDP highlight evolving governance challenges in Nigeria.
Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has disclosed that his entry into politics was influenced by Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church. In a recent BBC Hausa interview, El-Rufai stated that Bakare was instrumental in introducing him to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
El-Rufai, who recently departed from the All Progressive Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emphasized that his transition to the APC was not due to Buhari’s influence, as commonly believed. Instead, he credited Bakare for guiding him into the party.
Expressing his concerns about the ruling party, El-Rufai lamented the neglect of key issues and alleged that members of the party have become commercialized, stating, “Everything has a price tag.” He criticized the disregard for party loyalists regarding appointments and suggested that this behavior has contributed to the party’s decline.
Furthermore, El-Rufai mentioned his respectful departure from the APC, noting that he informed Buhari of his decision, who in return offered his blessings for the future. El-Rufai highlighted his ongoing relationship with Buhari, recognizing him as a father figure to the nation.
Following this, the article noted the emergence of fresh tension within the Rivers State Assembly, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara was reportedly locked out. This incident indicates deteriorating relations between the governor and the state lawmakers, leading to misunderstandings regarding communication protocols.
Moreover, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently achieved a significant victory, winning all chairmanship and councillorship seats across Osun State’s 30 local government areas during elections held over the weekend. Finally, Bisi Akande, a former governor, made allegations that the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo was involved in the assassination of Bola Ige, further complicating the political landscape.
Nasir El-Rufai attributes his political career to Pastor Tunde Bakare, highlighting the latter’s role in connecting him with former President Buhari. He expresses disillusionment with the current ruling party, pointing towards commercialization in politics. Furthermore, the developments in Rivers State and the PDP’s success in recent elections illustrate ongoing shifts within Nigerian political dynamics, underscoring the complexities of governance and party allegiance.
Original Source: www.newtimes.com.ng
