Former Governor El-Rufai Distances Himself from Tinubu’s Leadership, Declares Relief at Not Joining Cabinet

Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has openly criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing deep gratitude that he is not part of the current federal government. Speaking in a candid interview with Arise TV, El-Rufai revealed that he considers himself fortunate to have avoided any role in what he labeled as a failing and painful regime for the Nigerian populace.

Gripping in tone and sharply critical, the former governor did not hold back in his assessment. He stated clearly that President Tinubu’s team has repeatedly mishandled even the most basic aspects of governance. Reflecting on his own experience as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), El-Rufai said the current government’s failures highlight how far standards of governance have dropped.

He pointed out that, rather than solving national issues, the Tinubu-led administration has worsened the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians. The decisions, or lack thereof, coming from Aso Rock, he claimed, are directly responsible for economic hardship, insecurity, and a growing sense of hopelessness across the country.

El-Rufai did not mince words. He described the administration as a “disaster” and went as far as referring to it as “evil.” According to him, God played a role in keeping him away from the present government. This distance, he believes, has preserved him from being held responsible for policies that have led to widespread suffering.

"Anytime I wake up and see Tinubu inflicting more pain on Nigerians and just bungling governance, the simplest things in governance that I knew when I was DG BPE, whenever I see them, I thank God," El-Rufai remarked during the interview. The weight of his words signals deep disappointment not just in the government’s output, but also in the political process that brought it to power.

What struck a nerve with many political observers was El-Rufai’s admission that he played a role in bringing Tinubu to power. While he did not elaborate on the extent of his involvement during the campaign period, he acknowledged some level of responsibility for supporting a candidate who, in his view, has not only failed to deliver but has also become a symbol of misgovernance.

He made it clear that his political alliance with Tinubu is over. Rather than stay silent or offer behind-the-scenes counsel, El-Rufai intends to become part of a broader coalition working to remove the President in the next electoral cycle. He said, without hesitation, that he would join other opposition figures to ensure President Tinubu does not return to office in 2027.

This declaration sets the stage for what could become a significant shift in Nigeria’s political terrain. El-Rufai, known for his bluntness and administrative experience, is not a minor figure in Nigerian politics. His voice still carries weight, especially among those who previously supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) but have grown disillusioned with its current trajectory.

Observers have begun to speculate about what role El-Rufai may play in the 2027 elections. While he has not yet declared interest in any office, his strong statements suggest a re-entry into national politics is more than just possible. His alignment with opposition voices could add momentum to efforts to build a formidable political alternative to Tinubu’s government.

Reactions to El-Rufai’s comments have been swift. Supporters of the President have called his remarks unpatriotic, accusing him of being a sore loser after allegedly being excluded from cabinet appointments. However, his supporters argue that he is merely voicing what millions of Nigerians feel every day. Rising inflation, insecurity, and a weakening currency have become undeniable realities under the current leadership.

As the country continues to grapple with economic and social upheaval, voices like El-Rufai’s are unlikely to remain isolated. If anything, his public disavowal of Tinubu’s government may encourage more insiders and former allies to speak up, paving the way for a more contested and perhaps transformative political atmosphere ahead of 2027.