How El-Rufai Betrayed Late President Buhari – Northern Group Alleges
A northern-based advocacy group, Northern Frontiers for Buhari (NFB), has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, of betraying the trust and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari through sustained legal confrontations, policy defiance, and public criticism.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its convener, Comrade Murtala Musa Daura, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the group alleged that El-Rufai’s political relationship with Buhari — once hailed as close and strategic — later turned into what they described as “calculated acts of betrayal.”
“One such betrayal,” the statement claimed, “was when El-Rufai dragged the Federal Government, under Buhari’s leadership, to court over federal appointments and issues of resource control. This legal opposition, despite their shared party platform, reflected a persistent discord with the presidency.”
According to NFB, the legal action came at a time when national unity and loyalty were crucial to tackling Nigeria’s economic and security challenges. “El-Rufai’s defiance was viewed by insiders as damaging to the internal cohesion of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” the statement added.
The group also recalled El-Rufai’s fierce opposition to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 2023 naira redesign policy, which he publicly labeled as “senseless” and “ill-timed.” In a move seen as rebellion, El-Rufai’s government instructed Kaduna residents to continue accepting the old naira notes, directly contradicting federal directives.
“Political observers interpreted this as more than policy resistance—it was a rejection of Buhari’s authority,” the group said. “This was especially shocking coming from someone who rose politically with Buhari’s support.”
Further stirring controversy, the group alleged that El-Rufai participated in strategic political meetings that undermined Buhari’s inner circle and supported anti-Buhari elements within the APC. Citing alleged leaked memos, the group claimed El-Rufai once described Buhari as “detached” and “surrounded by incompetent loyalists.”
While El-Rufai never officially severed ties with the Buhari administration, the NFB argued that his statements and actions were part of a calculated repositioning as Buhari’s political influence declined.
“From being a key figure in Buhari’s 2015 victory, El-Rufai evolved into a harsh critic and political opportunist. His transformation is a textbook example of betrayal,” the statement asserted.
The group concluded by criticizing El-Rufai’s continued political maneuvers even after Buhari’s death. “He rode on Buhari’s goodwill to climb politically, and now tramples on that legacy. This opportunism is unbecoming, especially toward a man who helped shape his political destiny.”
GNN24 News 