ABUJA, Nigeria — Bello el-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, has admitted he was naive for criticising former President Goodluck Jonathan during his tenure in office, saying hindsight has given him a new appreciation of the former leader’s conduct in power.
Speaking on Channels Television during a special Democracy Day programme on Thursday, June 12, 2025, el-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency, reflected on his past political positions, particularly during Jonathan’s presidency from 2010 to 2015.
“I even forgot in my naivety, as many young people do, that we had governance then,” el-Rufai said.
“I found my father saying that he will consult President Jonathan. I said: ‘Please, when you see him, tell him I am very sorry, I am wiser now.’”
He commended Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election — a move widely regarded as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“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 (Jonathan) did that,” el-Rufai said.
While acknowledging areas of progress in Nigeria’s electoral process, el-Rufai expressed firm opposition to any legislative proposal that would allow citizens to vote without a permanent voter card.
The remarks come as political movements intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
His father, Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, is reportedly working with other prominent figures to form a political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The senior el-Rufai, once a supporter of Tinubu, emerged as a vocal critic after his own bid for a ministerial position was unsuccessful.
