El-Rufai admits Tinubu’s Chicago University controversy

Controversial politician and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has revealed that he, along with several heavyweight political figures, was aware of Bola Tinubu’s academic controversies in Chicago before backing him in the 2023 elections.

Speaking on BBC Hausa, El-Rufai explained that their support for Tinubu was based on his celebrated record in Lagos, an achievement they hoped could be replicated on a national scale.

El-Rufai did not mince words regarding Tinubu’s past challenges at Chicago University. “We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him,” he stated.

He expressed deep disappointment with the outcome, noting, “What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges. However, he failed.”

His comments underscore a long-held belief among his political circle that Tinubu’s successful transformation of Lagos was a blueprint for national development—an ambition that has now come under severe scrutiny.

When questioned about his own political future and the possibility of a 2027 presidential run, El-Rufai deferred the decision to his party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the Nigerian electorate.

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“It is not for me to decide; it is the party and the people that will decide. Even when I was contesting for governor, it was people that met and convinced (Muhammadu) Buhari, and he called me and asked me to contest,” he remarked, highlighting the collective decision-making process in Nigerian politics.

El-Rufai’s admission comes at a time when he has been one of Tinubu’s most vocal critics, especially following the Senate’s decision not to confirm Tinubu as a minister.

The revelation about the Chicago University issue adds another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Tinubu’s political career. Notably, public figures like Reno Omokri had previously asserted that Tinubu’s attendance at Chicago University was questionable—a claim that has fueled further debate about his credibility.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its turbulent political landscape, El-Rufai’s comments serve as a stark reminder that past controversies and the realities of political promises can have lasting implications for national leadership.

With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the spotlight remains firmly on both Tinubu’s legacy and the evolving ambitions of politicians like El-Rufai, whose support once played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s political direction.