Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has issued a pointed reminder to members of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, urging them to serve with responsibility and humility, as political power is never permanent. El-Rufai made the statement on Thursday, July 10, while speaking at the unveiling of the book OPL245: The Inside Story of the $1.3b Nigerian Oil Bloc, authored by Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under President Goodluck Jonathan.
During his address, El-Rufai stressed the importance of documenting public service experiences through books and memoirs, commending Adoke for telling his side of the story regarding the controversial Malabu oil deal.
“We don’t try it enough in this country,” El-Rufai said. “I appeal to those in power today to remember that their turn will come. Our turn always comes.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, El-Rufai specifically referenced Adoke’s role during the peaceful transition of power in 2015, when former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to then-opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari.
According to El-Rufai:
“He was one of those who stood behind President Jonathan and persuaded him to concede. We should actually thank him as the APC government of 2015, not persecute him.”
El-Rufai also clarified that during his private conversations with former President Buhari, there was never any indication of personal bias against Adoke. He explained that Buhari’s focus was always on upholding the rule of law rather than targeting individuals.
The Malabu oil scandal, also known as the OPL 245 case, centers on the 2011 sale of one of Nigeria’s most valuable oil blocs to Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion. Investigations revealed that $1.1 billion from the deal allegedly ended up as bribes paid through intermediaries to Nigerian officials.
Adoke was accused of being involved in the arrangement during Buhari’s administration. However, both Nigerian and international courts have since cleared him of any wrongdoing. El-Rufai noted this outcome, emphasizing that public officials should take lessons from past events and focus on fair governance rather than political vendettas.
“I look forward to reading the book to better understand what really happened and gain deeper insights into events that shaped that period,” El-Rufai added.
is remarks come at a time when concerns over governance, accountability, and political persecution remain major issues in Nigeria. El-Rufai’s message, while delivered at a book launch, was seen by many as a subtle caution to those currently in power: leadership is temporary, and history will always have its record.
Observers say El-Rufai’s public stance could stir conversations both within the ruling party and among Nigerians watching the country’s political landscape as preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually build up.
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