Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of fostering cronyism and marginalizing non-Yoruba Nigerians in governance.
Speaking during a meeting with Social Democratic Party (SDP) chieftains and other opposition leaders in Imo State, El-Rufai described the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government as the most disastrous since Nigeria’s independence.
El-Rufai declared: “Nigeria is in grave danger. In my 65 years living in this country, I have never seen a government that, within 12 months, proved it came to serve itself rather than the people. Within 24 months, this APC administration has plunged 30 million Nigerians into poverty.”
He blamed the Tinubu government for exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis, making life unbearable for both the rich and poor, and leaving citizens questioning the purpose of governance.
“Every Nigerian can feel the stark difference between life on May 29, 2023, and life in September 2025,” he added.
The former governor, who has distanced himself from the APC and aligned with opposition coalitions, urged Nigerians to leverage the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He tasked Southeast party leaders with mobilizing young voters, emphasizing that the “power to kick out bad governance lies in the ballot.”
He stated: “This is not a conference of complaints but one about the future. Your vote is the only tool to replace this government with something better.”
El-Rufai also revealed that the opposition had chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the central platform for a coalition, with plans to unite other parties, including the SDP, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“This coalition is about saving Nigeria from unprecedented bad governance—a government of cronies unlike anything we’ve seen before. We must come together and confront the evil entrenched in the villa,” he said.
While criticizing Tinubu’s appointment strategy, El-Rufai alleged that many Nigerians feel excluded from the government due to ethnic bias.
“Unless you have a Yoruba-sounding name, you don’t feel part of this country or this administration,” he claimed.
He stressed that 2027 must mark a turning point for Nigeria, urging voters to prioritize competence and compassion in leadership.
“I don’t care who the next president is, as long as they are competent and committed to lifting up the poorest among us,” he concluded, advocating for governance that empowers all citizens rather than enriching a select few.