Obasanjo Finally Reveals Why He Rejected El-Rufai as His Successor in 2007.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on why he refused to choose former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his preferred successor when he was leaving office in 2007.

Speaking at the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo disclosed that El-Rufai was one of his trusted aides during his administration.

However, he turned down the suggestion to make him president because he believed the former FCT Minister was “not yet mature enough” to handle Nigeria’s leadership at the time.

According to Obasanjo, the idea was pushed to him towards the end of his administration, but he refused to yield, insisting that El-Rufai still had a lot to learn before being ready for such responsibility.

The former president made the revelation while reacting to a speech by former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address at the event.

Chidoka had recalled how El-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at age 34; a meeting that later led to his appointment as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Interrupting Chidoka’s remarks, Obasanjo said with a smile, “Let him tell you. He didn’t mention that when I was leaving government, he was pushing that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor.” Turning to Chidoka, he added jokingly, “No be so?” to which Chidoka nodded in agreement.

Obasanjo continued, “I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he asked why I didn’t agree, and I told him El-Rufai needed to mature. Many years later, after seeing his performance, he came back to me and said, ‘You were absolutely correct — El-Rufai needed to mature.’”

Olubadan Ladoja Bows Out of Politics, Declares Himself Leader for All

The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has announced his complete withdrawal from partisan politics, pledging to serve as a father to all.

The declaration came on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, during a visit to his Ibadan palace by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, alongside ex-Senate President Iyorchia Ayu, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Liyel Imoke, among other dignitaries.

Atiku, who missed the coronation four days earlier due to “protocol issues,” tendered an apology, clarifying it was not an act of disregard.

Responding, Oba Ladoja left no room for doubt:
“I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. I belong to everybody now.”

The monarch emphasized that while he shared political history with many of his guests, his new role demands neutrality, justice, and fairness. He vowed to rule with equity and called for support in serving Ibadan, Oyo State, and beyond.

The meeting ended warmly, marking a new chapter in Oba Ladoja’s journey—from politician to revered traditional ruler.

How N2bn loan allegation stopped Buhari from appointing Audu Ogbeh SGF – El-Rufai.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday night revealed how a false bank-loan allegation derailed former President Muhammadu Buhari’s initial plan to appoint Chief Audu Ogbeh as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

Speaking during a Night of Tribute held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja, El-Rufai narrated a behind-the-scenes encounter shortly after the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the 2015 presidential election.

According to him, a close friend who had worked for the party’s victory sought his help to secure the SGF position.

El-Rufai said he approached Buhari, then president-elect, who explained that he intended to pick a Christian from the Middle Belt for the top job and asked El-Rufai to relay the decision.

El-Rufai recounted that Buhari later confided he had settled on Audu Ogbeh, describing him as his only choice for the post.

However, the plan changed when some individuals around the president allegedly claimed that Ogbeh owed banks as much as N2 billion from his agricultural ventures and would be distracted by personal debts.

“The next time the president called me, he said some things had come up and he was appointing someone else as SGF,” El-Rufai told the audience.

“After the announcement, I found out he had been told Chief Ogbeh owed a huge loan and would focus on repaying it instead of the job.

El-Rufai Warns Tinubu Could Become ‘Nigeria’s Paul Biya’

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has warned that President Bola Tinubu risks becoming “Nigeria’s Paul Biya” if not voted out in the 2027 elections. Hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai accused the APC-led government of centralizing power, undermining federalism, and posing a greater threat to democracy than past military regimes.

He described Tinubu’s administration as “a disgrace to democratic ideals,” cautioning that failure to act decisively in 2027 could entrench authoritarian rule similar to Biya’s decades-long stay in power in Cameroon.

El-Rufai: Tinubu Govt Worse Than Military Regimes

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a bigger threat to democracy than past military governments. Speaking during a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai labeled the government “a disgrace to the principles of democracy,” accusing it of authoritarian tendencies and centralizing power at the expense of federalism.

He compared Tinubu to Cameroon’s Paul Biya and warned that unless stopped in 2027, Tinubu could entrench himself in power. El-Rufai added that even past military leaders, including Buhari, were more tolerant of opposition than the current administration.

Atiku commended El-Rufai’s boldness and urged opposition leaders to unite in order to democratically unseat Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Presidency: Tinubu Won’t Extend Tenure Beyond 2031

The Presidency has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that President Bola Tinubu plans to extend his stay in power beyond 2031. El-Rufai had accused the Tinubu administration of drifting toward authoritarianism, likening him to Cameroon’s long-serving leader Paul Biya, and warned of threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

In response, Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga described El-Rufai’s allegations as “baseless and absurd,” insisting Tinubu remains committed to democracy and will leave office by May 28, 2031, if re-elected in 2027. Onanuga said El-Rufai’s remarks reflect frustration over his failed bid to rally opposition against Tinubu, and suggested he might need “professional counselling.”

You Need Help’ Presidency Attacks El-Rufai Over Tinubu ‘Life President Claim.

The presidency has criticised the submission by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as a desperate act of a man threatened by the rising political profile of President Bola Tinubu.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, submitted that El-Rufai is hallucinating and needs help.

Onanuga’s submission comes in direct response to the former Governor’s claim that President Tinubu may become president for life if Nigerians fail to unite and remove him in 2027.

However, the presidential media aide, in a statement released late on Sunday, said El-Rufai’s declaration is another failed attempt to remove Tinubu from power.

He said Northerners and indeed Nigerians have expressed their love and support for Tinubu, in contrast to what El-Rufai and his associates want the public to believe that the region has abandoned Tinubu.

Onanuga added that Tinubu is a committed democrat who has no intention of remaining in office beyond the constitutionally allowed two years.

He dismissed El-Rufai’s speculation that Tinubu may want to become a life president as unfounded and baseless.

“Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai appears to need some help, especially given his recent unfounded claims and speculations about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is increasingly evident that El-Rufai has recognised the futility of attempts by his associates in his new party to prevent President Tinubu’s likely re-election in 2027. This plot is proving to be unattainable, a mission doomed to fail.

“After reports of the grand reception President Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, El-Rufai was clearly surprised by the depth of support the President continues to enjoy in the North. This stands in stark contrast to his narrative that the region has abandoned the President.

Malam Nasir EL-Rufai is the master of ambivalence. Once upon a time, he supported and led the way in paying bandits to calm them. Today, in the name of politics, he opposes it.

BREAKING: El-Rufai Petitions Police Service Commission, Demands Probe Into Kaduna Police Over Invitation For Questioning

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC), accusing the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna and some officers of “unprofessional conduct, abuse of office, and serial violations of the Police Act 2020 and regulations.”

In a petition dated September 8, 2025, and addressed to the PSC Chairman, El-Rufai demanded an immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation into what he described as unlawful and unconstitutional actions by the Kaduna police authorities.

“I am writing as a citizen of Nigeria and former governor of Kaduna State to lodge this complaint and demand an investigation. This will assist the Commission in discharging its constitutional functions under the law,” El-Rufai stated.

He noted that his concerns went beyond personal grievances, stressing that his petition was about protecting the future of policing in Nigeria.

“I submit this petition with a profound sense of responsibility as a citizen who has served at national and subnational levels. My motivation is concern for the Nigerian Police Force, which remains the primary law enforcement institution despite its challenges,” he added.

The former governor urged the PSC to act decisively in enforcing accountability and discipline within the Force, insisting that public trust in the police depends on strict adherence to professionalism and ethics.

The development comes days after the Kaduna State Police Command invited El-Rufai and several members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.

A letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, had directed the ADC chairman in Kaduna to produce El-Rufai and six others at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8.

Those invited include:

Bashir Sa’idu

Jafaru Sani

Ubaidullah Mohammed (“30”)

Nasiru Maikano

Aminu Abita

Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (“Mikiya”)

Last week, SaharaReporters reported that security operatives sealed off the ADC state office in Kaduna, just hours before a scheduled solidarity visit by the party’s Northwest leadership. The office closure followed an attack on ADC members by suspected political thugs a week earlier.

Crowds in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Saturday staged a protest against former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, for bringing ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Odenigbo Lecture Series organised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri.
~@DailyPostNGR

Viral Moment: Peter Obi & El-Rufai’s Warm Embrace Sparks Political Buzz

Former governors Peter Obi of Anambra State and Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State set social media abuzz after a video of them warmly embracing went viral.

The clip, shared on the official Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization X handle on Saturday, September 6, 2025, captured the moment at an event in Owerri, Imo State. Obi walked up to El-Rufai, extended a handshake, and the two exchanged a brief hug — a gesture that quickly ignited reactions across the country.

The encounter drew heightened interest as both politicians are now members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), an opposition coalition positioning itself as a formidable challenger to Nigeria’s dominant political blocs.

Online reactions have been mixed:
Some Nigerians applauded the display of cordiality between the two opposition figures.
Others speculated about the political undertones of their alliance, questioning whether it signals a deeper strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Screenshots of these comments continue to circulate, reflecting curiosity, excitement, and skepticism about what the handshake and hug could mean for Nigeria’s political landscape.

Political Bond: El-Rufai and Senator Abbo Spotted Together on Flight, Stir Online Reactions

Social media don catch fire as former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and former senator, Ishaku Abbo, wey represent Adamawa North, bin dey sighted together inside plane.

Na Senator Abbo himself share the picture for him official X (Twitter) handle on September 4, 2025, as he proudly hail El-Rufai, call am him mentor.

“Together with my mentor, the former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” na wetin Abbo write put for the post.

The photo wey show both of them plus other passengers don go viral, dey spark plenty reactions online. Some Nigerians dey praise the bond between the two politicians, while others dey throw different shades.

Political Bond: El-Rufai and Senator Abbo Spotted Together on Flight, Sparks Reactions

Social media is buzzing after former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-lawmaker Senator Abbo Ishaku were spotted together aboard a plane.

Senator Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, shared the photo on his official X account on September 4, 2025, proudly referring to El-Rufai as his mentor.

“Together with my mentor, the former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” Abbo captioned the post.

The image, which also showed them with other passengers, quickly went viral, attracting a wave of mixed reactions from Nigerians online. While some praised the bond between the two politicians.

Police invites Nasir El-rufai, 6 other ADC leaders for Questioning.

The Kaduna State Police Command has invited 7 members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance of public peace, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.

The invitation, contained in a letter dated September 4, 2025, was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), DCP Uzairu Abdullahi, and addressed to the state chairman of the party.

According to the Police, the action followed a petition filed by complainants against some party members.

Those expected to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8th are:

Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i
Bashir Sa’idu
Jafaru Sani
Ubaidullah Mohammed a.k.a 30
Nasiru Maikano
Aminu Abita
Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini a.k.a Mikiya
The command urged the party to ensure the affected members cooperate with investigators in clarifying the allegations. The police, however, did not provide further details on the nature of the complaints.

This development is coming a few hours after the Police shutdown the ADC’s office in Kaduna. POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that Police officer sealed the party’s office at No. 4 Ali Akilu Road, ahead of a scheduled visit by the party’s Northwest leadership.

The fear of Malam Nasir @elrufai is now the beginning of wisdom in Kaduna politics.

APC government, trembling at his shadow, has dragged the Police into a desperate plot to blacklist and intimidate ADC leaders.

Nigerians’ Distrust in Government Shouldn’t Be Linked to Peter Obi – Nana Kazaure

The Director of Strategic Communication and Media for the Obidient Movement, Nana Kazaure, has argued that the widespread distrust Nigerians have for government institutions cannot be associated with former presidential candidate Peter Obi, since he has never led the country.

Speaking in an interview with News Central TV, Kazaure responded to concerns raised by politicians such as Nasir El-Rufai and Nyesom Wike about Obi’s proposal for a single-term presidency. She said their skepticism reflects Nigerians’ long-standing disappointment with successive administrations, not Obi’s leadership qualities.

According to her, surveys consistently show that Nigerians distrust the presidency, judiciary, and police the most, a reality she attributed to poor governance over the years. However, she stressed that Obi stands out for his integrity, strong family values, and proven economic prudence.

“I will understand what Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is saying, in terms of Nigerians having a major distrust for government. That doesn’t have anything to do with His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi — he has never been president of Nigeria,” Kazaure said.


She maintained that Obi’s commitment to a single-term presidency is credible, pointing out that he has previously supported a five-year rotational leadership model as a way to deepen accountability and fairness.

“When they say in one term Mr. Peter Obi is more interested in his integrity, he has a family and he has built a reputation for himself. If he says he’s going to do a thing, he will do it,” she added.

Kazaure emphasized that Obi’s frugality and economic discipline are qualities Nigeria urgently needs, insisting that his track record proves he can be trusted to deliver on his promises.

US Dollar No Longer King Over Naira, But Atiku, El-Rufai, Obi Won’t Celebrate – Presidency

The Presidency has reacted to reports that some Chinese traders now accept naira cards for transactions, describing it as proof that the Nigerian currency is gaining international confidence.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said on Tuesday that the development shows the US dollar is “no longer the ultimate king,” crediting President Bola Tinubu’s reforms for strengthening the naira.

Posting on X, Onanuga wrote:

“This is a salutary development for the Nigerian economy. The Tinubu reforms are making foreigners have faith in the Naira. The Almighty US dollar is not the ultimate king here. The Naira is waxing stronger as an international means of exchange. I also buy some items on Chinese platforms. I can confirm that they accept Naira cards.”

However, Onanuga argued that opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi would not acknowledge or celebrate the development.

“They are waiting for disasters to vent their political frustration on President Tinubu,” he added.

Source: Daily Post Nigeria

#Naira #Dollar #Tinubu

According to a report by Viable TV, Jonah Bonet, a former special adviser on stakeholders’ engagement to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has harshly criticized Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a recently circulated video. Bonet, speaking with visible anger, accused Obi of betraying the trust of his supporters.


In the viral clip, Bonet declared, “We believed in you but we will never vote you again. Seeing you with Nasir El-Rufai, you have insulted us.”

His statement underscores growing frustration among some former Obi loyalists who feel disillusioned by his political choices. For Bonet, the issue goes beyond ordinary political alliances—it represents what he described as a disregard for the sacrifices of Nigerians who rallied behind Obi during the 2023 elections.

This attack is the latest in a series of confrontational remarks from Bonet. In previous videos, he had targeted his former principal, El-Rufai, accusing him of disrespecting respected political and religious figures. Now, by shifting his focus to Obi, Bonet highlights the lingering mistrust surrounding El-Rufai’s political reputation.

Observers believe Bonet’s comments reflect a broader unease among sections of Obi’s base, who worry that partnerships with divisive figures could undermine the image of transparency and reform Obi built during his campaign. The phrase “you have insulted us,” directed at Obi, underscores just how personal this discontent feels for some of his supporters.

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the outburst raises questions about whether Obi can maintain the loyalty of his grassroots following while navigating Nigeria’s complex political landscape.

Nigerian Armed Forces Don’t Support Payment Of Money To Criminal Groups — Defence HQ

The Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, has clarified that the Nigerian Armed Forces do not support paying bandits, stressing that such measures have proven ineffective.

He explained that instead of financial settlements, the military runs a Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe and Zamfara for repentant fighters who surrender their weapons and undergo profiling.

Onumajuru urged communities to work with security agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s borders.

His remarks followed recent criticism by former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, who accused the government of adopting a “kiss-the-bandits” policy. However, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) dismissed El-Rufai’s claim as “false and baseless,” insisting no payments or incentives are being made to criminal groups.

Source: Channels TV

#Security #Nigeria #Defence

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against making promises of a single four-year presidency, describing it as deceptive.

Speaking during his monthly media chat on Monday, Wike aligned with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who had earlier criticised Obi’s one-term proposal. He argued that no president can predetermine whether or not to seek re-election, as circumstances often change once in office

According to Wike, Obi’s supporters should also know the party platform he intends to run on in 2027, instead of being left in the dark. He questioned whether Obi would still rely on the Labour Party or return to the PDP, warning that keeping supporters guessing was unfair.

“Stop telling Nigerians you’ll only serve four years,” Wike said. “When you get there, you’ll realise whether to run again or not. Even some leaders once attempted a third term. So don’t deceive people with such promises.”

El-Rufai, a former Kaduna State Governor, spoke on Sunday, August 31, during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has stated that it will be impossible to fix Nigeria in four years.

Speaking on the issue, he urged former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi not to make such promise.

El-Rufai, a former Kaduna State Governor, spoke on Sunday, August 31, during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme.

Peter Obi previously stated that he would serve only one term if elected president in 2027, insisting that four years is enough to reset Nigeria.

Also, Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, said he would be willing to serve just one term if he secures his party’s presidential ticket. He stated that he would step down after four years to promote rotation and stability.

Reacting to the claims, El-Rufai said that both men, having governed their respective states, should know that four years is not sufficient to deliver meaningful reforms.

“Now, on the question of people coming out and saying, I will do one term, I don’t think anyone believes that.

“I don’t think it is right. You should not constitutionally give up what is yours. And frankly, as someone who has been governor for eight years, and Amaechi and Peter Obi have both been governors, they know the time it takes to make meaningful change in government. Four years is not enough,” he said.

The former governor added that politicians who make such pledges often change their minds once they assume office.

“So, I want to appeal to everyone to stop making these commitments of ‘I will do four years’ or ‘I will do eight years’, because nobody believes you,” he added.