Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has taken a swipe at critics who failed to commemorate his 65th birthday.

El-Rufai, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), praised friends and political associates who extended their wishes when he marked his birthday on February 16.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu for celebrating him, he took a jab at political stalwarts who waited for the President's message before acknowledging his birthday.

"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," he wrote in a Facebook post.

He continued: "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 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 do so for all. If I missed 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."

Recall that El-Rufai, once a key ally of the President, has had a falling out with the party’s leadership, criticizing the management of the economy.

NBA