The former governor of Kaduna State,Nasir El-Rufai has sparked controversy with his latest remarks, saying he doesn’t pretend like Nollywood actors in politics.
This statement comes amid a heated exchange between El-Rufai and figures within President Bola Tinubu’s administration ¹
.El-Rufai has been critical of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of deviating from its founding principles.
He’s been quite blunt about his stance, even referring to some APC loyalists as “clowns” paid to defend the government ¹.In response to a social media post, El-Rufai reiterated his commitment to speaking his mind, saying, “Truly, I don’t know how to pretend.
Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not some of us.” This comment has ignited fresh debate about his political trajectory and the widening cracks within the APC ¹.
Responding to a social media post that commended his direct style, El-Rufai likened certain politicians to Nollywood actors, suggesting that governance should not be a performance.
His remark followed a statement reaffirming that if he were part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, his critical stance on governance would remain unchanged.
On Friday, an X user, Ira Habib, praised El-Rufai after reading his book Accidental Public Servant, saying no politician would want him in their cabinet unless they were genuinely committed to national development.
Acknowledging the comment, El-Rufai replied, “Truly, I don’t know how to pretend. Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not some of us.”
Quoting former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, he added, “In opposition, it matters what you say. In government, it matters what you do. And saying is a lot easier than doing.”
El-Rufai has been vocal about issues within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), recently criticizing the party’s lack of internal democracy and inactive structures.
The former governor of Kaduna State says he no longer recognize the APC.
No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it’s a one-man show or a zero-man show,” he stated.
His comments drew a reaction from Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Tinubu, who accused El-Rufai of pursuing a “vengeance mission.”
“These statements are not borne out of patriotism but a desire for vengeance. The opposition sees that as a tool for recruitment,” Bwala tweeted, advising the former governor to settle his grievances amicably.
