Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has firmly rejected claims that he was once a close friend of President Bola Tinubu. In a statement shared on his verified social media accounts on February 10, 2026, El-Rufai described the narrative as false and misleading.

“I was never Tinubu’s friend,” he wrote. “We were political allies at a point in time, but friendship is a different thing entirely. I have never claimed to be his friend, and he has never claimed to be mine.”

El-Rufai explained that their relationship was strictly professional and based on shared political objectives during the formation and growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused certain individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading the “friendship” story to create unnecessary drama or justify personal agendas.

The former governor pointed out that political alliances do not always translate to personal friendship. “Politics is about interests, not emotions. When interests diverge, alliances change. That’s normal,” he added.

The clarification comes amid ongoing speculation about El-Rufai’s current stance toward the presidency and his role in national politics following his exit from office in 2023. His recent public comments have often been interpreted as critical of certain federal policies and appointments.

El-Rufai urged the public to focus on facts rather than fabricated personal narratives. “Let’s discuss issues, policies, and performance, not invented friendships,” he concluded.

The statement has sparked fresh reactions on social media, with supporters praising his candour while critics accuse him of rewriting history for political relevance. As Nigeria heads toward 2027, such clarifications highlight the complex web of alliances and rivalries shaping the country’s political landscape.