ABUJA — Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that he harbors no malice or personal hatred toward political associates and allies who turned their backs on him during his post-office challenges.
Speaking during a reflective public appearance on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Abuja, the former minister addressed his recent political trajectories and the shifts in personal relationships following his departure from executive office in May 2023.
El-Rufai emphasized that his political philosophy has always been anchored on service, institutional reforms, and conviction rather than personal transactional politics. He noted that while political betrayals and unexpected realignments are inevitable realities in governance and public life, he has chosen to hold no bitterness toward individuals who distanced themselves from him when circumstances shifted.
Reflecting on his decades in public administration—spanning his tenure as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and two terms as Kaduna State Governor—El-Rufai observed that power is temporary and that true character is revealed when a leader transitions out of official authority. He remarked that experiencing abandonment by former allies provided valuable clarity on loyalty and human nature.
Reaffirming his commitment to national development, the former governor stated that his focus remains dedicated to policy discourse, mentorship, and economic thought leadership aimed at rebuilding governance frameworks across the country. He maintained that personal forgiveness remains essential for long-term peace of mind, adding that his primary concern will always be the progress and stability of Nigeria rather than nursing political grievances.
