Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has restated his blunt approach to politics, emphasizing that he does not engage in pretense like some public officeholders.
Responding to a social media post that commended his direct style, El-Rufai likened certain politicians to Nollywood actors, suggesting that governance should not be a performance.
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His remark followed a statement reaffirming that if he were part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, his critical stance on governance would remain unchanged.
On Friday, an X user, Ira Habib, praised El-Rufai after reading his book Accidental Public Servant, saying no politician would want him in their cabinet unless they were genuinely committed to national development.
Acknowledging the comment, El-Rufai replied, “Truly, I don’t know how to pretend. Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not some of us.”
Quoting former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, he added, “In opposition, it matters what you say. In government, it matters what you do. And saying is a lot easier than doing.”
El-Rufai has been vocal about issues within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), recently criticizing the party’s lack of internal democracy and inactive structures.
“I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it’s a one-man show or a zero-man show,” he stated.
His comments drew a reaction from Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Tinubu, who accused El-Rufai of pursuing a “vengeance mission.”
“These statements are not borne out of patriotism but a desire for vengeance. The opposition sees that as a tool for recruitment,” Bwala tweeted, advising the former governor to settle his grievances amicably.
