Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed deep regret over his support for President Bola Tinubu, citing what he describes as the president’s failure to meet expectations despite a controversial past marred by allegations of drug-related offenses and certificate forgery.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai admitted that he and others backed Tinubu despite being aware of his legal and ethical controversies, particularly his alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking and the disputed authenticity of his academic credentials.
“What pains me the most is that we supported and had confidence in this government, believing it would deliver results,” El-Rufai stated.
“We saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges, and we thought if he could replicate that at the national level, it would be worth it. But, unfortunately, he has failed.”
Referencing Tinubu’s past legal troubles in the United States, El-Rufai acknowledged that supporters were aware of the accusations but hoped his performance as Lagos State governor would translate into national development.
“We all knew about his issues in Chicago, but we overlooked them, thinking his governance experience in Lagos would benefit Nigeria,” he said.
The controversy over Tinubu’s past resurfaced in 2022 when newly unsealed court documents from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois detailed his alleged connection to narcotics trafficking and money laundering, leading to a forfeiture of $460,000 to the U.S. government in 1993.
Additionally, his academic records came under scrutiny after opposition leader, Atiku Abubakar, petitioned the courts to compel Chicago State University (CSU) to release details of Tinubu’s educational history, alleging certificate forgery.
Despite these controversies, El-Rufai and other political allies stood by Tinubu, hoping he would deliver on his campaign promises.
However, the former governor now laments that their expectations have not been met, marking a turning point in his public stance on the Tinubu administration.
