{
  "id": 5407063,
  "title": "Nigeria would’ve been different if El-Rufai was still around — Defence Minister Musa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/nigeria-wouldve-been-different-if-el-rufai-was-still-around-defence",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T20:21:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/03/nigeria-wouldve-been-different-if-el-rufai-was-still-around-defence-minister-musa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Defence Minister Christopher Musa expressed on Thursday that Nigeria might have taken a different trajectory if former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was still in political office. Musa criticized El-Rufai for inciting divisions within the nation, asserting that the country does not require politicians who exploit societal differences. The minister made these remarks while answering questions during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.\n\nMusa also gave a glowing endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a leader with a fervent commitment to the advancement and development of Nigeria. According to Musa, his conversations with Tinubu have revealed the President’s genuine love for the country and his desire to see the nation evolve and progress. \"Tinubu loves this country,\" Musa emphasized, \"What we see and discuss with him indicates a person who has a deep passion for Nigeria and a determination to bring about positive change.\"\n\nMusa cautioned against politicians who seek to divide the nation, warning that their presence would have significantly altered Nigeria’s current trajectory. He stated, \"If probably El-Rufai had been around, a lot of things would have gone different because he loves that divide and rule.\" Musa urged citizens to concentrate on issues that foster national unity and progress, urging everyone to work towards a common goal for the betterment of Nigeria. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity and progress over divisive tactics, stating, \"Let us forget about all these aspects and think as Nigerians what makes Nigeria tick. That’s what everybody should work for.\"",
  "summary": "Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has said Nigeria could have faced a different situation if former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was still around. Musa accused El-Rufai of promoting division, saying the country does not need politicians who exploit differences among Nigerians. The minister spoke while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday. He…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "El-Rufai deliberately planned killing of our people in Southern Kaduna — Defence Minister Musa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/el-rufai-deliberately-planned-killing-of-our-people-in-southern",
        "published": "2026-09-03T19:47:46.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Terrorists using motorcycles given as palliatives, Defence minister warns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/terrorists-using-motorcycles-given-as-palliatives-defence-minister",
        "published": "2026-09-03T20:38:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}