El-Rufai Withdraws from Ministerial Race and Storms out of the Country, Citing Focus on Private Business and Studies

El-Rufai Withdraws from Ministerial Race and Storms out of the Country, Citing Focus on Private Business and Studies

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has withdrawn his interest in being appointed a minister in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu. El-Rufai's decision came after he was not confirmed by the Senate during the ministerial screening exercise.

In a statement released on Friday, El-Rufai said that he had decided to withdraw his nomination in order to focus on his private business interests and his doctorate programme at a university in the Netherlands. He also said that he did not want to be a distraction to the new administration.

"I have decided to withdraw my nomination as a minister in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu," El-Rufai said in the statement. "I have done so in order to focus on my private business interests and my doctorate programme at a university in the Netherlands. I also do not want to be a distraction to the new administration."

El-Rufai's withdrawal from the ministerial race is a surprise to many. He was seen as a frontrunner for a cabinet position, and his experience as governor of Kaduna State would have been valuable to the new administration. However, El-Rufai's nomination was met with opposition from some senators, who cited allegations of corruption and human rights abuses during his time as governor.

It is unclear what El-Rufai's future plans are. He has said that he will continue to contribute to the development of Nigeria as a private citizen. However, some analysts believe that he may be considering a run for the presidency in 2027.

El-Rufai's withdrawal from the ministerial race is a significant development. It remains to be seen how his decision will affect the new administration and the future of Nigeria.

In addition to the above, here are some other key points to consider:

• El-Rufai's withdrawal from the ministerial race is a blow to President Tinubu, who had reportedly been counting on him to play a key role in his administration.
• El-Rufai's decision is also likely to be seen as a victory for his critics, who had accused him of being unfit for public office.
• It remains to be seen what El-Rufai will do next. He has said that he will continue to contribute to the development of Nigeria as a private citizen, but some analysts believe that he may be considering a run for the presidency in 2027.

The implications of El-Rufai's withdrawal from the ministerial race are still being assessed, but it is clear that it is a significant development. It remains to be seen how his decision will affect the new administration and the future of Nigeria.