The El-Rufai criticism of Tinubu has intensified dramatically as the former Kaduna State governor and ex-minister, Nasir El-Rufai, launches a scathing attack on the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai decried the current state of governance, accusing the president of abandoning the inclusive and technocratic model he championed while governor of Lagos.
In a blistering assessment, El-Rufai described Tinubu’s cabinet as bloated, lacking quality, and devoid of the caliber of professionals he once championed.
“It is the largest in Nigeria’s history, and maybe only five of them can be called real ministers,” he said. “There’s no Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala or Oby Ezekwesili in there. It’s just not serious.”
The El-Rufai criticism of Tinubu went further as he acknowledged his role in supporting Tinubu’s presidential bid based on his past governance in Lagos.
“He was inclusive, he brought in professionals like Yemi Osinbajo and Wale Edun, appointed Igbos and Hausas into key roles. That’s why I supported him,” El-Rufai said. “But this administration is a complete departure from that legacy. It’s a tragedy I helped install, and I feel compelled to help reverse it.”
Disapproval Ratings and Governance Failure
Backed by recent polls, El-Rufai stated that Tinubu’s approval rating had plummeted, citing 91 percent disapproval in the North and Southeast, as well as 78 percent disapproval in Lagos, his traditional stronghold.
“The guy is gone,” El-Rufai said. “The economy has stopped. The insecure architecture has failed. We’re generating revenue, but no one knows where it’s going. Nothing works.”
The El-Rufai criticism of Tinubu reflects deep dissatisfaction with national governance. He questioned how N1.5 trillion in monthly security deductions over the last 15 months yielded worsening security, calling the deductions unconstitutional and “an impeachable offense.”
He emphasized that the president’s failure was both economic and structural, citing the absence of trade and investment policies, stalled projects, and a lack of federal oversight.
“President Tinubu went to commission my old projects in Kaduna. What has his government completed in two years with all the money it has received?” he asked.
Coalition Politics and the All Democratic Alliance
Amid the mounting El-Rufai criticism of Tinubu, the former governor revealed the formation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a coalition-driven political party aimed at unseating the APC in 2027. El-Rufai, along with other prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, is leading the charge for a united opposition front.
While still affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai said his membership is transitional.
“We are harmonizing into one platform. It could be the ADA if registered, or an existing party like the SDP. What matters is unity and vision, not party names.”
He accused the federal government of deliberately sabotaging opposition parties through infiltration and financing internal crises.
“They injected viruses into the Labour Party, PDP, and NNPP. The clean slate of a new party is our way out,” he stated.
However, skepticism remains about INEC’s willingness to register a new party.
“INEC is not Jega, and this is not Jonathan. We suspect they will try to block us,” El-Rufai warned.
Defending His Position and Rejecting Cabinet Role
Critics have speculated that El-Rufai’s sharp tone is motivated by his failed ministerial nomination in 2023. In response, he said,
“Maybe. But I don’t care. I didn’t ask for it. Tinubu begged me to serve. There are videos. I thank God I’m not part of this catastrophe.”
He doubled down on his refusal to remain silent:
“Every day I wake up, I see Nigerians suffering, and I thank God I’m not explaining away blackouts and a collapsing naira. I won’t be part of that lie.”
Pushback from Other Opposition Figures
Meanwhile, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former adviser in the presidency, voiced concern over the makeup of the opposition coalition. He questioned whether figures like El-Rufai and Atiku represent real change or are merely recycling old power blocs.
“The public doesn’t believe they offer a different future. It’s the same players with new packaging,” Baba-Ahmed said, urging younger voices and fresh ideas to lead any true opposition.
Still, the El-Rufai criticism of Tinubu resonates deeply with many Nigerians feeling disillusioned after nearly two years of economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity.
Final Word
While El-Rufai has yet to confirm whether he will contest the 2027 presidency, he insists on being part of the change process.
“I may not be the candidate, but I will be part of the movement to fix Nigeria,” he said. “You don’t have to trust me. Trust your experience.”
With dissatisfaction growing and opposition forces mobilizing, the El-Rufai criticism of Tinubu may shape the political discourse heading into the next election cycle, one that could redefine Nigeria’s future.
