Tinubu celebrates El-Rufai at 65, hails his contributions to democracy

In his congratulatory message on his 65th birthday, President Bola Tinubu called former Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai “an administrator, scholar, and politician” who was renowned for his “resourcefulness and intellect." Tinubu acknowledged El-Rufai's contributions to the All Progressives Congress's achievement in three straight elections and his role as a founding member of the party in a statement released on Sunday.

The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), on February 16, 2025.

“The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023,” the statement read

Tinubu also commended the former minister’s “endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation.”

El-Rufai, who served as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, was governor of Kaduna State for eight years.

The President wished him “good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.”