Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, has clarified that the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) had no involvement in the rejection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a ministerial nominee.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sule emphasized that the forum was not part of the decision-making process that led to El-Rufai’s rejection by the Senate during the ministerial screening.
“El-Rufai has not left our party; he is still part of our party,” Sule said. “What led to his nomination and eventual rejection by the Senate or security agencies are not matters we discussed at the Progressives Governors Forum or the Nigeria Governors Forum. These are issues beyond our purview.”
El-Rufai’s Role in APC and Ministerial Nomination
El-Rufai was a prominent supporter of President Bola Tinubu during the last general elections. Alongside other northern governors, he backed Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer, contributing to his victory in the February 2023 presidential election.
As recognition for his efforts, Tinubu nominated El-Rufai for a ministerial position three months after assuming office. However, his nomination was rejected by the Senate, reportedly due to concerns raised by security agencies.
The Process of Ministerial Appointments
Governor Sule highlighted that the nomination and confirmation of ministers are entirely within the jurisdiction of the president and the National Assembly.
“It is the prerogative of Mr. President to nominate ministers, and the responsibility of the National Assembly to confirm or reject them,” Sule explained. “In this case, they chose to reject him, and that is a matter for those institutions, not the Progressives Governors Forum.”
El-Rufai remains a member of the APC despite his ministerial setback, as confirmed by Governor Sule.
