‘Your record of service remains undeniable’, Atiku hails El-Rufai on birthday

2026-02-16 - 10:49

A former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on his birthday, describing him as a man of “intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity.” In a message shared on his verified X handle on Monday, Atiku said El-Rufai’s record of public service and clarity of purpose remained evident despite what he termed “present political persecution and needless distractions.” He wrote, “Happy Birthday to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. A man of intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity. Even amid the present political persecution and needless distractions, his record of service and clarity of thought and purpose remain undeniable. I wish him strength, peace, and Allah’s guidance in the years ahead.” Atiku’s message comes amid recent political tensions involving El-Rufai, who has publicly distanced himself from President Bola Tinubu, stating that his support during the 2023 election was political rather than personal. El-Rufai, who returned to Nigeria from Egypt on Thursday, had raised concerns about the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, questioning an alleged plan to procure thallium sulphate from Poland. In a letter to the NSA on Sunday, the former Kaduna governor described the substance as highly dangerous and strictly regulated, emphasizing the need for transparency in any such dealings.