Early Life and Education
Nasir El-Rufai was born on 16 February 1960 in Daudawa, then part of the Northern Region of British Nigeria (now Katsina State). His early years were shaped by personal tragedy and resilience. At the age of eight, El-Rufai lost his father, a public servant in the defunct Northern Nigeria government. Following this loss, he was raised and supported by an uncle, who played a critical role in ensuring his continued education.
El-Rufai’s academic journey began at Barewa College, Zaria, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools, known for producing many Northern political elites. While at Barewa, he demonstrated early promise in academics and leadership. In 1976, he gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, where he studied Quantity Surveying. He graduated with a first-class honour’s degree in 1980, one of the few to achieve such academic distinction in his department. Determined to broaden his academic and professional horizons, El-Rufai pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which he completed at the same institution in 1984.
His commitment to education extended globally. He earned a law degree in 2008 and Master Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard in 2009, where he was also an Edward A. Mason Fellow. He also received the Kennedy School Certificate in Public Policy and Management having spent 11 months as an Edward A. Mason Fellow in Public Policy and Management from July 2008 to June 2009. In 2017, he enrolled in a Doctorate program in Governance and Policy Analysis at the United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) in the Netherlands.
Private Sector Success
In 1982, El-Rufai founded El-Rufai & Partners, a quantity surveying firm that thrived during Nigeria’s military era. The firm secured high-profile contracts, especially during the development of Abuja, and is credited with turning its founders into “young millionaires.” He also held management roles with AT&T Network Systems International BV and Motorola Inc.
Entry into Politics
El-Rufai began his political career in 1998, when General Abdulsalami Abubakar appointed him as an economic adviser at the age of 38. Afterward, he played a key role in Nigeria’s privatisation program, working closely with institutions like the World Bank and IMF.
Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he became the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and later Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he became known for his aggressive urban reforms, including the demolition of illegal structures. This earned him the nickname “Mr Demolition.” El-Rufai was a member of the PDP during Obasanjo’s tenure but later defected to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011, supporting Muhammadu Buhari. When the CPC merged to form the APC in 2013, El-Rufai became Deputy National Secretary.
He was elected Governor of Kaduna State in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. His governance style, marked by bold reforms and strict policies, was both praised and criticized.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007)
In July 2003, Nasir El-Rufai was appointed as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). His tenure marked a bold and controversial chapter in the administration of Abuja, as he led a sweeping transformation of the capital city—long plagued by corruption and deviations from its original master plan.
One of his most notable achievements was the establishment of the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), making Abuja the first municipality in Nigeria to implement a computerized land registry and digital geographic information system.
Following Senate confirmation of his appointment, El-Rufai sparked national controversy by accusing two prominent senators—Jonathan Zwingina and Ibrahim Mantu (then Deputy Senate President)—of demanding a bribe of $414,000 in exchange for his ministerial approval. Both lawmakers denied the accusation, with Mantu publicly calling El-Rufai a “pathological liar.”
Tensions between El-Rufai and the legislature escalated a year into his ministerial role when the Senate Public Accounts Committee accused him of approving inflated staff salaries without due process. El-Rufai’s response—“Silence is the best answer to a fool”—prompted the Senate to go on a rare two-day strike, demanding his dismissal. Although President Obasanjo issued an apology on El-Rufai’s behalf, it was rejected by the Senate, compelling El-Rufai to appear before the chamber to deliver a formal apology.
“I did not mean what I said,” he told senators. “I certainly did not mean to refer to the senators as fools. The statement was inappropriate. I made a mistake, and I am sorry.”
In addition to overseeing the FCT, El-Rufai was tasked with leading reforms in the wider Nigerian public service, as part of President Obasanjo’s Economic Management Team. He temporarily managed the Federal Ministries of Commerce and Interior and chaired several critical cabinet committees that shaped national policy. His efforts contributed to the creation of:
- A national mortgage framework
- Nigeria’s modern National Identity Card system
- Reforms in electric power infrastructure
- The sale of Federal Government real estate in Abuja
As the Obasanjo administration neared its end, Nuhu Ribadu, then-chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a close ally of El-Rufai, referred to him as the “de facto No. 2 official,” reflecting his influence—especially after the breakdown in relations between Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar. This elevated status is believed to have alienated segments of the political elite, leading to subsequent political persecution.
Demolition Policy and Forced Evictions
During his tenure, El-Rufai earned the nickname “Mr Demolition” for his aggressive policy of urban renewal, which included the demolition of buildings and settlements that violated Abuja’s master plan.
According to a report by the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, titled “Forced Evictions: Violations of Human Rights 2003–2006”, approximately 800,000 people were displaced during his tenure as a result of evictions targeting informal settlements. At least 49 communities were listed for demolition by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
By the end of his term:
- 945 structures had been demolished across the FCT
- Over 300 buildings were removed in Kubwa
- Nearly 12,000 shanties were cleared in Idu Karmo, Jiwa, Gwarimpa, Jabi, and Anguwan Mada
Among the more high-profile demolitions was the residence of PDP National Chairman Ahmadu Ali in Asokoro, removed for encroaching on a water trunk line. El-Rufai also revoked 1.2 hectares of land in Abuja’s Central Area belonging to the late businessman Joseph Igwe, citing its designation as green space and a church site in the city’s original blueprint.
Nasir El-Rufai’s Governorship & Post-Governorship
Governorship (2015–2023):Nasir El-Rufai served as the 22nd Governor of Kaduna State, beginning in May 2015. He implemented aggressive reforms aimed at reducing government waste, including adopting the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which helped recover N24.7 billion. He cut government spending by downsizing ministries and staff, saving the state N1.2 billion within two months.
His education reform was bold and controversial, involving the dismissal of over 22,000 underqualified teachers, launching a school feeding programme for 1.5 million pupils, and eliminating school fees for primary and junior secondary education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, El-Rufai tested positive and implemented state-wide lockdowns.
He also faced backlash in 2020 when the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) revoked his invitation to speak at their conference due to petitions citing alleged human rights and press freedom concerns. Clemency: He pardoned 12 prisoners during his tenure on humanitarian grounds.
Post-Governorship (2023–2025):
In 2023, El-Rufai was nominated for a ministerial position by President Bola Tinubu but was not confirmed due to a security clearance issue from the SSS. Later that year, he co-founded a $100 million venture capital firm focused on boosting economic growth in Northern Nigeria.
In 2024, El-Rufai signalled his return to politics, met with leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and officially defected from the APC to the SDP in March 2025, citing ideological differences with the ruling party
Family and Personal Life
El-Rufai is married to Hadiza Isma, Asia Ahmad, and Aisha Ummi Garba.
Hadiza Isma El-Rufai
An architect, intellectual, and author, Hadiza Isma is perhaps the most visible of El-Rufai’s wives. With degrees in architecture and creative writing, she has carved out a niche for herself beyond the shadows of politics. Her acclaimed novel, An Abundance of Scorpions, introduced her to Nigeria’s literary scene, where she has since continued to make an impact. As First Lady of Kaduna State she was known for advocating education, women’s empowerment, and literary arts—often maintaining an independent voice that sometimes contrasted her husband’s political image.
Asia Ahmad El-Rufai
Though less public-facing than Hadiza, Asia Ahmad is known for her calm demeanour and her role in maintaining the cohesion of the extended El-Rufai household. Friends of the family describe her as the “quiet powerhouse” who manages the behind-the-scenes logistics of family and tradition.
Aisha Ummi Garba El-Rufai
The third wife, Aisha Ummi Garba, is considered a deeply spiritual woman who provides emotional and spiritual support in the family. Her influence, while mostly private, is said to have had a grounding effect on El-Rufai throughout the turbulence of his political career.
Between his three wives, Nasir El-Rufai is father to eight children, many of whom have excelled academically and professionally. Most notable is his son, Muhammad Bello El-Rufai, who currently represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly. He also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Banking Regulations.
Bello’s rise in national politics has been viewed by analysts as a strategic extension of the El-Rufai legacy, hinting at a carefully cultivated political dynasty.
In a 2020 interview, El-Rufai once remarked: “My children are taught to think for themselves. I don’t control their minds, only their values.”
Controversies and Public Image
Nasir El-Rufai’s public career has not been without controversy. His rhetoric, religious posture, and political actions have sparked criticism from human rights organizations, religious groups, and civil society advocates.
In 2012, El-Rufai drew backlash after posting a controversial tweet, stating: “We will write this for all to read. Anyone, soldier or not, that kills the Fulani takes a loan payable one day no matter how long it takes.” The tweet was perceived as a threat and interpreted by some as condoning ethnic retaliation.
In 2019, ahead of general elections, El-Rufai again sparked outrage when he warned foreign observers: “The person who will come and intervene… will go back in body bags because nobody will come to Nigeria and tell us how to run our country.” The statement was widely criticized as inflammatory and threatening to international diplomatic norms.
A 2021 report by International Christian Concern accused El-Rufai of punishing Christian protesters in Kaduna State. The report cited two lockdown incidents—one in December 2016 and another lasting 72 days starting in June 2020—during which protesting communities were reportedly placed under enforced curfew. The 2016 lockdown allegedly resulted in 11 civilian deaths, while the 2020 incident was linked to over 120 reported killings by armed groups during the imposed restrictions.
The same report highlighted alleged human rights violations, including the use of lockdowns as punitive tools, and criticized the El-Rufai family’s perceived extravagance—citing international travel and elite private education for his children, including one enrolled in a Canadian boarding school with a tuition of $44,000 USD per year.
In October 2021, El-Rufai reintroduced the Religious Preaching Edict of 1984, establishing the Interfaith Preaching Regulatory Council. This body was authorized to approve or reject religious leaders and sermons in Kaduna State. Critics, including human rights organizations, viewed it as a tool for religious censorship and social control. In a radio interview, El-Rufai defended the policy, stating: “Anyone who begins to preach without authorization will be liable to pay a fine and may even be imprisoned.”
A watchdog group cited a 2014 tweet in which El-Rufai accused Christians of funding Boko Haram—an internationally designated terrorist organization affiliated with the Islamic State. The tweet was widely condemned as false and inflammatory.
In 2023, controversy reignited when a video surfaced showing El-Rufai allegedly admitting to political discrimination against Christians. In the clip, he is heard saying: “Those that are not Muslims don’t vote for our party… So why should I give them the deputy position?… Kubau voted for us the most, so I’ll add something to Kubau because they voted for us. What I’ll give Jaba, I’ll increase for Kubau because Jaba didn’t vote for us.”
The remarks triggered widespread criticism, especially from the Catholic Diocesan Priests Association in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan, who described the comments as “divisive, bigoted, hateful, and completely unstatesmanlike”—accusing El-Rufai of promoting Islamic political supremacism in a pluralistic society.
Awards and Publications
In October 2022, President Buhari awarded him the national honour Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He is also the author of:
- The Accidental Public Servant (2013)
- These Times: Inside Nigeria’s Turbulent Journey (2020)
Whether admired or criticized, Nasir El-Rufai remains a significant force in Nigerian politics. His evolving political stance, bold opinions, and recent defection signal a man still very much in the game. As the 2027 election season approaches, all eyes are on whether El-Rufai will officially join the presidential race—or play kingmaker once again.
By Olaoluwa Ajayi & Omosola Friday
