Monday, July 20, 2026

I’m not lobbying to become Tinubu’s Chief of Staff: El-Rufai

The governor said he was more interested in contributing to the development of Nigeria than jostling for positions.

• May 6, 2023
Bola Tinubu and Nasir El-Rufai (Credit: Daily Trust)
Bola Tinubu and Nasir El-Rufai (Credit: Daily Trust)

Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has dispelled the rumours of him jostling to become Chief of Staff in President-elect, Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

He stated this in Gombe on Saturday while addressing newsmen.


Mr El-Rufai was in the state to inaugurate the construction of 550 housing units and Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) Service Centre.

He described the reports on the different portfolios being assigned to him and published in national dailies as “mere speculations”.

The governor said he was more interested in contributing to the development of Nigeria than jostling for positions.

Mr El-Rufai noted that being in government was not the only way to contribute to Nigeria’s development, saying even if he was not in government, he would remain committed to the progress of the country.

“I have not had that discussion with the president-elect and I don’t like to speculate.

“I read in the newspapers all kinds of portfolios assigned to me but you know, I am a committed Nigerian.

“I want to see my country make progress and whatever I can do to contribute to the development of the country, I will do it.

“But, I don’t have to do it working in government. Everyone who is working either in the private sector or civil society is contributing.

“There is not just one way to contribute to the country and I will never stop working for Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

The governor said upon leaving office in the next 22 days, he would take a break but be available to provide advice, where needed, on how to move the country forward.

“I will be in the private sector, not any chief of staff. I will take a break and advise people like Governor Inuwa Yahaya if they need it,” he said.

On Tinubu’s presidency from May 29, Mr El-Rufai said Nigerians would not regret voting the president-elect, stressing that better days were ahead of Nigerians under Tinubu.


(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc

Economy

CSCS declares N1 interim dividend after half-year earnings

The company noted that the interim dividend represented 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year.

kids inside classroom

Health

Mental health key to attaining excellence in children, says expert

He said children perform better academically and socially when the learning environment supports their emotional well-being.

Ifeanyi Okowa And Ned Nwoko

States

Court dismisses Ned Nwoko’s suit challenging Okowa’s candidacy for Delta North senatorial district

The Federal High Court, Abuja, rejected Mr Nwoko’s suit seeking to void Mr Okowa’s emergence as the APC candidate for the Delta North senatorial district.

Police officers

Heading 1

Reps begin review of state police bill

“The House and the Senate are working in tandem with each other to make sure that the significant amendments are achieved,” he said.

Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF)

Economy

Nigeria’s $40 billion net foreign reserves validate Tinubu’s economic reforms: TSF

“The increase from about $3 billion to more than $40 billion within three years, therefore, represents a substantial strengthening of Nigeria’s financial buffers,” the group said.

Andy Burnham

Heading 4

Andy Burnham takes over as UK’s prime minister, vows to end homelessness

“On my first day as Prime Minister, I’m announcing this government’s commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity,” he said.