Tinubu felicitates with El-Rufai at 65
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as he marks his 65th birthday, despite the political tensions between them.
El-Rufai, a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has in recent times been openly critical of Tinubu’s administration, accusing some of the president’s allies of engaging in tribal politics.
However, Tinubu set aside the differences, acknowledging El-Rufai’s contributions to governance and democracy.
A statement issued on Sunday, February 16, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the president as describing El-Rufai as a “scholar, administrator, and politician.”
The President also commended El-Rufai’s dedication to public service and mentorship of the younger generation.
According to the statement, “President Bola Tinubu congratulates Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on his 65th birthday. Mallam El-Rufai is an administrator, scholar, and politician. He is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and highly regarded for his resourcefulness and brilliance.”
Tinubu further highlighted El-Rufai’s past leadership roles, including his tenure as Kaduna State Governor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007, and Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises.
The president also acknowledged El-Rufai’s significant role in the formation of the APC and his contributions to the party’s victories in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections.
“President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation,” the statement said.
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