Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is gearing up for a legal battle against President Bola Tinubu in at least two courtrooms, Saturday Vanguard has learned.
El-Rufai’s move stems from what his allies and critics term as his public humiliation by the Tinubu administration, accusing him of being a security risk unfit for ministerial office.
In what promises to be a high-stakes confrontation, El-Rufai intends to clear his name both in the judicial arena and the court of public opinion, where he is speculated to pose a significant challenge to Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
According to a confidant of El-Rufai, “You think Mallam will allow this tag to abide on him? I can assure you that he is going to clear his name in court. El-Rufai is a man who has many contacts internationally and he is not one to allow his reputation to be smeared by the reason given by the Senate of being a security risk.”
The former governor’s disappointment over being dropped during the Senate ministerial screening on grounds of failing security clearance has stirred up a storm within political circles. El-Rufai’s pivotal role in rallying Northern governors behind Tinubu and his contributions to securing Tinubu’s victory in some Southwest states have amplified the shock of his rejection.
Moreover, El-Rufai’s opposition to the Federal Government’s naira redesign project further fueled tensions, with the former governor alleging that the move was orchestrated to undermine the APC’s electoral prospects.
Apart from legal recourse, El-Rufai is reportedly mobilizing to challenge Tinubu’s standing in the court of public opinion in the run-up to 2027. Whether he will stand as a candidate or operate behind the scenes remains uncertain.
El-Rufai’s transition from critic to ally of Tinubu has been marked by twists and turns, with past statements indicating a strained relationship.