Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has denied allegations that he betrayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that their relationship was based on professional ties rather than political loyalty.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, which gained traction on Saturday, El-Rufai—who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—called on opposition figures, including Atiku, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the SDP.
Disappointment with Tinubu’s Administration
Expressing his disillusionment with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, El-Rufai said, “What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in has failed. We thought Tinubu would replicate his work in Lagos despite his challenges, but he has disappointed us.”
“I Never Betrayed Atiku”
Addressing accusations of betrayal, El-Rufai dismissed the claims, emphasizing that his relationship with Atiku predates politics.
“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. If someone doesn’t perform well, I will tell them, no matter who they are. I did the same with Buhari, even taking him to court over the naira redesign policy,” he said.
Recalling the Obasanjo-Atiku feud, he added, “At the time, those of us working with Obasanjo saw that he was right. It was not about north and south. If I truly betrayed Atiku, why are we still working together now?”
Call for Opposition Unity
El-Rufai concluded by urging opposition leaders to unite under the SDP, saying, “What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP.”
