El-Rufai Reveals Tunde Bakare’s Influence in His Political Journey

Nasir El-Rufai attributes his political entry to Pastor Tunde Bakare, criticizing the APC for neglecting its core principles and alleging a culture of commercialism. Recent tensions in Rivers State and the PDP’s victories in Osun intensify the political discourse in Nigeria. Bisi Akande accuses the Obasanjo government of being involved in Bola Ige’s murder, revealing ongoing political unrest.

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, disclosed that his entry into politics was largely influenced by Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church. During an interview with BBC Hausa, he expressed that it was Bakare who introduced him to former president Mohammadu Buhari, countering public speculation that his affiliation with the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) stemmed from Buhari’s influence.

El-Rufai criticized the APC for neglecting key areas crucial to the party’s foundational principles, alleging a pervasive culture of commercialism within the government. He stated, “the government is commercialised, everything has a price tag,” lamenting that those who toiled for the party were overlooked when appointments were made, often favoring individuals from Lagos.

After resigning from the APC and joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai felt compelled to inform Bakare of his departure, attributing his initial political engagement to him. He communicated his decision to leave APC to Buhari, who offered his blessings, demonstrating respect for their past relationship. El-Rufai remarked, “we spoke, we said this is not the party we know. The party is dead.”

In related political events, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara encountered tensions with the state legislature, being locked out of the Assembly Complex. Despite claiming he had notified Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his visit, security personnel denied him access due to a lack of formal communication.

Additionally, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) swept all chairmanship and councillorship positions in the Osun State elections. Hashim Abioye, chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, confirmed the party’s triumph during a press conference.

In another notable political statement, Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun State, accused the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo of orchestrating the assassination of Chief Bola Ige, the former Attorney General. He recounted a conversation with Ige and described how he cautioned him against resigning due to anticipated danger. Akande maintained, “It was a state murder” but did not provide specifics about who might be implicated.

In summary, Nasir El-Rufai revealed the significant role Pastor Tunde Bakare played in his political journey, emphasizing his disillusionment with the APC’s current leadership. The political landscape remains turbulent in Nigeria, as evidenced by recent events in Rivers State and the PDP’s electoral success in Osun. Bisi Akande’s allegations against the Obasanjo administration further highlight the ongoing complexities and controversies within Nigerian politics.

Original Source: www.newtimes.com.ng