New details have emerged about the collapse of the pact between President Bola Tinubu and former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, regarding El-Rufai's potential ministerial position in the Federal Executive Council. It appears that El-Rufai was initially promised the Ministry of Power and Gas due to his discussions with the President about achieving uninterrupted power supply. The source indicates that El-Rufai's preference to live quietly abroad changed after intensive discussions with the President post-election.

El-Rufai began assembling a group of experts to help achieve the goal of consistent power supply, including individuals like Jimi Lawal, Olu Verheijen, Eyo Ekpo, and Tolu Oyekan. The group believed certain elements within the administration might have felt threatened by El-Rufai's influence and political potential, leading to resistance against his appointment. This resistance reportedly included political rivals, elements from the Christian Association of Nigeria, Muslim clerics, and others.

Despite El-Rufai's plans and the President's initial agreement, his confirmation for the ministerial role was delayed, possibly due to internal political dynamics. The source suggests that El-Rufai's bond with the President during a previous crisis and concerns from influential members of Tinubu's inner circle also played a role in the delay.

An August 4, 2023 letter from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) recommended stepping down El-Rufai's Senate clearance due to issues revealed during vetting and background checks. These issues were not detailed in the available information.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that El-Rufai informed President Tinubu of his withdrawal from consideration for the ministerial position, stating that he wished to focus on his doctorate program in The Netherlands. El-Rufai's reported suggestion to replace him with Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner under El-Rufai's administration, was mentioned during a meeting with the President.

El-Rufai traveled out of the country after the meeting, though the exact destination remains unknown.

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