The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has found himself at the center of a storm of criticism following a contentious Monday night interview that has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria.
The interview, details of which have not been fully disclosed, has reignited debates about Nasir El-Rufai’s polarizing tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023 and his broader political legacy.
According to a report from a credible source, Nasir El-Rufai’s statements during the interview have drawn “heavy verbal attacks” from various quarters, including political opponents, civil society groups, and members of the public.
The exact content of the Nasir El-Rufai’s interview remains unclear, but the backlash suggests it touched on sensitive issues related to his governance, religious policies, or political strategies, areas where El-Rufai has long been a divisive figure.
Nasir El-Rufai, who also served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, is no stranger to controversy.
During his eight-year governorship of Kaduna State, he implemented sweeping reforms, including the adoption of a Treasury Single Account and infrastructure projects, but his administration was also marred by allegations of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and religious discrimination.
In 2023, a video surfaced in which Nasir El-Rufai allegedly admitted to discriminating against Christians in political appointments, claiming that Muslims were more likely to vote for his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This revelation sparked outrage among Kaduna’s Christian population, which makes up a significant portion of the state’s diverse populace.
The Monday night interview appears to have reopened these wounds, with critics accusing El-Rufai of doubling down on divisive rhetoric or failing to address past controversies.
Social media platforms, including X, have been flooded with reactions, ranging from calls for accountability to demands for a public apology.
Nasir El-Rufai’s political career has been marked by both praise and criticism.
A quantity surveyor by training, he rose to prominence under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, where he played a key role in privatization efforts and economic reforms as Director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises.
However, his tenure as governor was often characterized by clashes with opposition figures, labor unions, and religious groups.
In 2014, he faced additional scrutiny when he claimed on social media that Christians were funding and controlling the Islamist terror group Boko Haram, a statement widely condemned as baseless and inflammatory.
As of Tuesday morning, February 25, 2025, neither Nasir El-Rufai nor his representatives have issued a public response to the backlash.
Political analysts suggest that the interview could have long-term implications for his influence within the APC and his prospects for future political roles, especially as Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of religious harmony, governance, and accountability.
The controversy has also reignited calls for greater transparency and accountability from former public officials.
Human rights organizations, including those advocating for religious freedom in Kaduna, have urged the Nigerian government to investigate Nasir El-Rufai’s past actions, particularly the allegations of discrimination and the handling of security challenges during his tenure.
For now, the nation awaits further clarification from El-Rufai or additional details about the interview that has once again thrust him into the national spotlight.
As Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole navigate their complex political landscape, the fallout from this latest episode is likely to resonate for weeks to come.
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