El-Rufai: Tinubu’s Government Worse Than Any Military Regime in Nigeria
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a scathing criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’sadministration, describing it as a greater threat to democracy than any military regime in Nigeria’s history.
Speaking over the weekend while hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his Kaduna residence, El-Rufai condemned what he called the administration’s increasing authoritarianism and centralization of power.
“This government is a disgrace to the very principles of democracy,” El-Rufai declared. “What we’re seeing today is worse than anything we experienced under the military.”
The visit came in the wake of a violent attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) inauguration in Kaduna, which was disrupted by suspected thugs. The incident sparked a war of words between El-Rufai and the state government, with both sides trading blame. The police have since summoned El-Rufai and other ADC leaders for questioning over the disruption.
During the visit, El-Rufai likened Tinubu’s leadership style to that of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982, warning that Tinubu appears to be taking Nigeria down a similar path of entrenched rule.
“This government is centralizing everything. All the talk of NADECO, true federalism—it was all fake,” he said. “If we don’t unite and vote them out by 2027, Tinubu will try to become Nigeria’s Paul Biya. The signs are already clear.”
El-Rufai further accused the administration of stifling dissent and weaponizing state institutions against political opponents, claiming that even previous military rulers and former President Muhammadu Buhari, with his military background, did not govern with such disregard for opposition voices.
“Even Buhari never harassed people just for holding opposing views. But now we have civilians behaving worse than soldiers,” he said.
Addressing Atiku directly, El-Rufai acknowledged the former vice president’s history of democratic activism and urged him to lead the charge for political unity and change ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Nigerians are tired. They want Tinubu out. With your leadership and ability to bring people together, we can reclaim this country and reach the Promised Land.”
In his response, Atiku Abubakar commended El-Rufai’s boldness and urged all opposition figures to remain resolute in their efforts to challenge the Tinubu administration through democratic means.
“We must be united and focused. The only way to rescue this country is through the ballot in 2027,” Atiku said.
The meeting adds to growing tensions within the political landscape as the opposition begins to mobilize in earnest ahead of the next presidential election.
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