Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has revealed that he and other political leaders were aware of the controversies surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records at Chicago State University but chose to support his 2023 presidential bid based on his track record as Lagos State governor. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s performance as president, stating that the administration has failed to meet expectations.

El-Rufai explained that despite concerns about Tinubu’s alleged certificate scandal, they believed he could replicate his Lagos achievements on a national scale. “We knew about his Chicago issues, but we thought if he could do for Nigeria what he did for Lagos, we would support him. However, he has failed,” El-Rufai said. He emphasized that their support was rooted in Tinubu’s past governance, which transformed Lagos into a thriving economic hub.

The former governor also addressed his recent departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a divergence in values with the ruling party. El-Rufai called on opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and others, to unite under the SDP to salvage the country. “What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP,” he said.

El-Rufai dismissed accusations of betraying Atiku Abubakar, recalling their past disagreements during the Obasanjo administration. He clarified that their conflicts were based on principle rather than personal animosity. “I never betrayed Atiku. If I had, why would we be together now?” he asked, highlighting their current alignment in opposition politics.

Regarding his political future, El-Rufai downplayed speculation about a 2027 presidential run, stating that such decisions rest with his party and the people. “It is not for me to decide; it is the party and the people that will decide,” he said, recalling how former President Muhammadu Buhari had persuaded him to run for governor in the past.

El-Rufai’s comments come amid growing criticism of Tinubu’s administration, particularly after the Senate declined to confirm him as a minister in 2023. El-Rufai has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, accusing Tinubu of deliberately excluding him from his cabinet. His remarks underscore the deepening fractures within Nigeria’s political landscape as opposition figures seek to regroup ahead of the next election cycle.

The Chicago State University certificate scandal, which has lingered as a contentious issue in Tinubu’s political career, continues to cast a shadow over his presidency, even as his former allies like El-Rufai express regret over their initial support.