In a recent interview on Symfoni TV, Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), provided an in-depth assessment of Nigeria’s current political climate, focusing on the influence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and his pivotal role in shaping the rise of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During the interview, Yusuf made a striking statement about El-Rufai’s contributions, saying, “If there is one person he should thank for being president, it is Nasir El-Rufai.” He used the remark to underscore what he described as the former governor’s instrumental involvement in Tinubu’s path to the presidency, particularly in mobilizing critical support in Northern Nigeria during the 2023 elections.
Yusuf explained that El-Rufai’s efforts were not without significant political risks. “He navigated internal opposition, strained relationships, and took calculated risks to ensure that power shifted to the South,” Yusuf said, highlighting the strategic and often behind-the-scenes work that facilitated the president’s victory.
According to him, El-Rufai’s advocacy for zoning and careful alliance-building within Northern political circles played a central role in consolidating electoral support for Tinubu.
The former NHIS chief expressed concern about what he characterized as a growing marginalization of figures who had contributed to Tinubu’s rise.
Yusuf warned that sidelining these key players could deepen divisions within the political system and erode trust among political actors.
He emphasized that recognition and loyalty remain fundamental to sustaining functional political alliances, arguing that failure to acknowledge past contributions could undermine future collaboration.
Yusuf also reflected on the broader implications of these dynamics for governance and national cohesion. He stressed that political relationships, when neglected, could affect the stability of party structures and hinder efforts to maintain a united leadership front.
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