According to a source close to the group, certain individuals within the Villa may have felt threatened by El-Rufai and did not want him to be appointed as a minister.
These individuals, including Senator Shehu Sani and some members of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim clerics, see El-Rufai as a potential threat to their own aspirations for the next election.
The source also mentioned that El-Rufai had previously had issues with federal lawmakers during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which may have influenced the decision not to clear him for a ministerial position.
Despite the bond between President Tinubu and El-Rufai, based on the former governor’s support during the APC presidential primary, influential members of Tinubu’s kitchen cabinet were reportedly against giving El-Rufai too much power in the government.
The source also mentioned that a second security report was sent to various offices detailing the reasons why El-Rufai should not be cleared for a ministerial position.
The report from the Department of State Services recommended that El-Rufai’s clearance be put on hold pending further investigation.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that El-Rufai has withdrawn his interest in being a minister and has suggested Jafaru Ibrahim Sani as a replacement.
El-Rufai has reportedly left the country, but his destination is unknown.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
