Bello El-Rufai, a House of Representatives member from Kaduna North and son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly apologized to former President Goodluck Jonathan for his past criticisms, admitting he was naive at the time.
Speaking on Thursday evening, Bello expressed regret for failing to recognize the quality of governance under Jonathan’s administration due to his youthful inexperience. “I even forgot in my naivety, as many young people do, that we had governance then,” he said, noting that he is “wiser now.”
The lawmaker’s change of perspective was triggered by a conversation with his father, who was preparing to visit Jonathan for a political consultation. Bello recounted, “I paid my father a visit and noticed he was going out. I asked where he was going, and he said he was going to see President Jonathan. I paused because when I thought ego or gratification mattered, I used to be very active in criticizing President Jonathan. I said, ‘please when you see him, tell him I am very sorry.’”
Bello also praised Jonathan’s statesmanship, particularly his decision to concede defeat after the 2015 presidential election, a rare act in African politics. “It takes a lot, particularly in Africa, to lose an election and leave. He did that,” Bello remarked, adding that Nigeria’s systemic challenges, not individual leaders, are the root of its problems.
Historically, Nasir El-Rufai maintained a cordial relationship with Jonathan, even encouraging him to run in the 2011 presidential election. However, tensions arose after Namadi Sambo’s appointment as Vice President, leading Bello and other family members to frequently criticize Jonathan’s administration, according to reports.
Bello’s apology marks a significant shift, reflecting his acknowledgment of Jonathan’s contributions and a broader call for unity in addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges.