Bello El-Rufai, House of Representatives member representing Kaduna North and son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly apologized to former President Goodluck Jonathan for criticizing his administration, admitting he was naive at the time.
Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today on Thursday evening, El-Rufai expressed regret over his past actions, stating that he failed to recognize the quality of governance under Jonathan's leadership.
"When I was naive or when I thought ego or gratification mattered, I used to be very active in criticising President Jonathan," El-Rufai confessed. "I even forgot in my naivety as many young people do, that we had governance then."
Moment of Realization
The lawmaker recounted how his perspective changed when he discovered his father was preparing to visit former President Jonathan for political consultation. Upon asking where his father was going, he was surprised by the response.
"I found my father saying that he is going to consult President Jonathan. I said, 'please when you see him, tell him I am very sorry, I am wiser now'," El-Rufai shared.
The Kaduna lawmaker also praised Jonathan's character, particularly highlighting his peaceful concession after losing the 2015 presidential election.
"The system is a problem. Now, why did I mention President Jonathan? It takes a lot, particularly in Africa, to lose an election and leave, he did that," he added.
Historical Context
Reports indicate that the El-Rufai family initially had a cordial relationship with Jonathan, with the elder El-Rufai even encouraging Jonathan to contest the 2011 presidential election. However, the relationship reportedly soured following Namadi Sambo's appointment as Vice President, after which the El-Rufais became vocal critics of Jonathan's administration.
Bello El-Rufai's apology comes at a time of shifting political alliances in Nigeria's political landscape, with various former opponents finding common ground in different contexts.
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