Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives and son of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has confessed that he was naive in his past criticisms of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Representing the Kaduna North Federal Constituency, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker acknowledged that youthful inexperience had clouded his judgment, preventing him from recognising the presence of governance during Jonathan’s tenure.
Sharing a personal reflection, El-Rufai recalled a turning point:
“I visited my father after I became a member and I saw him wearing a polo shirt and I said, ‘Where are you going?’ And he said he was going to see President Jonathan, and I paused because when I was naive or when I thought ego or gratification mattered, I used to be very active in criticising President Jonathan,” he said.
He continued, “I even forgot in my naivety, as many young people do, that we had governance then. And I found my father saying that he is going to consult President Jonathan. I said, ‘Please, when you see him, tell him I am very sorry. I am wiser now.’”
El-Rufai also praised Jonathan’s statesmanship, highlighting the significance of his decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election.
“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 did that,” he said.
On the issue of electoral reforms, the APC lawmaker expressed concern over rumours of a potential amendment that would allow citizens to vote without a voter’s card. He stated firmly that he would oppose any such move, stressing the importance of maintaining credible electoral processes.
El-Rufai reiterated his support for deepening electoral reforms, particularly the electronic transmission of results, which he believes will enhance transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
