Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as more dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic foundations than any military regime in the country’s history.
El-Rufai made the remark during a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his residence over the weekend. The visit came in the wake of violent disruptions at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) inauguration in Kaduna, where thugs stormed the venue and halted proceedings.
Both El-Rufai and the Kaduna State government have since traded accusations over who orchestrated the attack.
In his comments, El-Rufai criticized Tinubu for betraying the ideals of democracy, federalism, and decentralization, which he said the president once claimed to champion.
“Honestly, it is a disgrace,” El-Rufai said. “All the talk about democracy, NADECO, and true federalism has turned out to be false. Instead of devolving power, this government is centralizing everything.”
Warning of darker times ahead, he likened Tinubu’s leadership style to that of Cameroon’s long-ruling president, Paul Biya.
“We are facing an evil of such magnitude that if we don’t unite to end this administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya. All the signs are there—this is exactly how Biya began,” El-Rufai cautioned.
