In a revealing interview, Akin Osuntokun explained that the current beef between Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu has roots in old political games.
He disclosed that despite Ribadu’s strong support for El-Rufai to take over from Obasanjo, the former president had other plans.
Back in 2006, El-Rufai (then FCT Minister) and Ribadu (then EFCC Boss) were inseparable. Ribadu was actually the main person pushing for El-Rufai to be the next president.
Obasanjo ignored his advisers' recommendation. He reportedly told them they didn't understand El-Rufai's true character and chose Yar’Adua instead because of his clean record and family ties.
The group of advisers thought they would stay powerful under Yar’Adua, but the new president pushed them away. This eventually forced both El-Rufai and Ribadu into exile for a period.
Osuntokun claims El-Rufai never quite got over being passed over for higher office, which fueled later tensions when Ribadu was picked for other roles over him.
