Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said recent birthday wishes sent to him by President Bola Tinubu shamed his detractors.
El-Rufai stirred anger in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), after he accused the party of lacking internal democracy under Tinubu.
Prior to this, the former governor had alleged that APC’s organs failed to meet in the last two years.
Critics also accused El-Rufai of hobnobbing with opposition figures such as former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and some chieftains of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Amid his criticism of the APC and allegations of anti-party activities by critics, Tinubu sent El-Rufai a birthday message on February 16, 2025.
Reacting to the development via his X page, an elated El-Rufai claimed Tinubu’s birthday wishes shamed those who never wanted to felicitate with him.
He tweeted, “MONDAY MESSAGE: It has been about a week since many friends, associates, and admirers sent me various messages and prayers in commemoration of my 65th birthday.
“The prayers and good wishes were quite humbling and gratifying, but far too many and overwhelming for individual acknowledgment or response by me, hence this message.
“I want to thank everyone who sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those who didn’t want to until President Tinubu’s message shamed them into action. May the Almighty God accept our prayers and continue to shower His blessings on us and our people.
“I have tried to repost, retweet, and share all the birthday messages I received, but as an imperfect mortal, I am sure I couldn’t have done so with all. If I didn’t with yours, please forgive me. It is an omission of the head, not of the heart.
“May Almighty Allah grant us even longer life, in good health, happiness, and prosperity, in a Nigeria that flourishes as a beacon of progressive governance, democracy, and equal opportunity for all. Thank you all, and God bless.”
