Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has revealed that political leaders, including himself, were aware of the ongoing controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records in the United States prior to the 2023 presidential election. Despite the allegations, they decided to back Tinubu, hoping he would bring the same level of success he achieved in Lagos to the entire nation. El-Rufai, who has since left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), shared these details in a recent interview with BBC Hausa. He has become a strong critic of both the APC and the current Tinubu administration.

In the same interview, El-Rufai urged opposition leaders to come together under one umbrella, specifically calling on prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join the SDP ahead of future elections. He emphasized the need for a united front to challenge the ruling party effectively.

Addressing accusations of disloyalty, particularly from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai defended his political choices, stating that his decisions are driven by a focus on performance and results rather than personal allegiances.

The dispute over Tinubu’s academic credentials from Chicago State University (CSU) became a major talking point during the 2023 elections. While CSU confirmed that Tinubu did attend and graduate from the institution, it also clarified that the diploma he submitted to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not issued by the university, casting doubt on its validity.

El-Rufai’s disclosures, along with rising dissatisfaction within the APC, have led to increased speculation about potential shifts in political alliances as the 2027 elections approach.