Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has explained that his differences with President Bola Tinubu stem from a philosophical difference in governance.

El-Rufai, in an interview with Trust TV, said he and Tinubu never had a close personal relationship, stressing that his initial support for the President was driven by principle rather than personal affinity.

El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasised that the disagreement with Tinubu was never personal.

He also noted that even if he had accepted Tinubu’s ministerial position, he would have left the government because of those fundamental philosophical differences.

He said, “I was never Tinubu’s friend. We never had a personal relationship like the one I had with General Buhari.

“I was approached by certain Islamic stakeholders from the southwest to support the emergence of a southwest Muslim presidential candidate.

“That is how the discussions started. As governor of Kaduna and one of the founders of APC, I knew there was an understanding that after 8 years of Buhari, power would return to the south. It wasn’t about Tinubu; he was merely an accidental beneficiary.

“We didn’t fall out; we didn’t find areas of agreement. I am in government to serve the public and deliver results not to enrich myself or appoint cronies.

“The philosophy of this government is contrary to everything I’ve been taught as a Muslim, a northerner, and a Nigerian. They came to govern the cake, to enrich themselves. We are different people parallel lines that will never meet.”

El-Rufai also stated that his commitment to party unity after Tinubu won the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries was based on his principles.

He stressed, “It is a principle of mine to fight for the candidate of my party in every election, whether I like the candidate or not.

“The fact that he emerged as the party’s candidate meant I would give everything to ensure he won.”