President Bola Tinubu is celebrating the immediate past governor of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, despite recent criticisms of his government.
Reports indicate that relations between Tinubu and El-Rufai have been strained in recent times, with the former governor openly criticizing the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration and accusing those close to the president of engaging in tribal politics.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, February 16, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described El-Rufai as a distinguished scholar, administrator, and politician.
The president acknowledged El-Rufai’s contributions to democracy, his dedicated service to Nigeria, and his role in mentoring younger generations. He also recognized El-Rufai’s role in the formation of the APC and his contributions to the party’s victories in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections.
Wishing him good health and strength, Tinubu commended El-Rufai for his years of service as Kaduna State governor, as well as his past roles as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
