In a recent statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, addressed the growing criticism from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that El-Rufai’s discontent stems from not being appointed as a minister.
El-Rufai was initially nominated for a ministerial position during the formation of Tinubu’s cabinet but was ultimately screened out by the Senate. Since this exclusion, he has increasingly voiced his dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the government is dominated by loyalists and individuals from the southern regions of Nigeria.
Onanuga expressed sympathy for El-Rufai, stating, “I pity former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; he feels hurt that he was not made a minister, but I think it’s time for him to move on.”
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He emphasized that El-Rufai should not dwell on his disappointment, likening his reaction to that of a child lamenting over lost bread.
While acknowledging that El-Rufai’s feelings of grievance are understandable—given his significant contributions to Tinubu’s electoral success—Onanuga clarified that the President does not harbor any animosity toward the former governor.
He urged El-Rufai to stop his public criticisms, asserting that “Tinubu has nothing against El-Rufai,” and suggested that the time has come for him to let go of his grievances.
Onanuga concluded by reminding El-Rufai of his long tenure in public service since 1999, reiterating that it is time for him to move forward rather than continue to campaign against the current administration.
