El-Rufai Slams Tinubu’s Government as Clannish and Incompetent, Warns of National Collapse if APC Retains Power

 

Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State and a key figure in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. During a political visit to Sokoto State on Saturday, El-Rufai expressed grave concern over what he described as the incompetence and nepotistic tendencies of the current federal government, warning that Nigeria’s fragile unity may not survive another term under the APC.

Addressing party members and local supporters at the gathering, El-Rufai did not hold back. He accused the Tinubu-led government of gross mismanagement and elitist isolation, warning that the nation’s already strained socio-political cohesion could be torn apart if urgent change was not enacted. He urged Nigerians to support the emerging coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a credible alternative to rescue the country from impending disaster.

He stated clearly that the current administration is more interested in preserving political patronage than addressing the real needs of ordinary citizens. “We are watching a government stumble through critical national issues while clinging to outdated loyalties and power blocs,” he said. “The APC has become a shadow of the progressive movement we once envisioned. If allowed to continue, they will drag this country into irreversible chaos.”

The remarks sent ripples across the political landscape, not only because of their content, but because of who delivered them. El-Rufai was once a powerful backer of President Tinubu’s presidential campaign in 2023. His influence and political capital helped the APC consolidate support across northern Nigeria, especially among technocrats and younger voters. However, the relationship between the two men soured after the Senate refused to confirm El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination in 2023, an event he blamed directly on the President.

According to El-Rufai, that rejection was more than a personal slight; it was indicative of a deeper rot within the Tinubu administration. He argued that rather than prioritizing competence and national interest, appointments under this government have been driven by clannish considerations and internal vendettas. “This is not the Nigeria we fought for. This is not the party we built,” he lamented.

Despite his fallout with the APC, El-Rufai insists his criticism is not rooted in bitterness or political revenge. He positioned himself as a concerned elder statesman who is compelled by conscience to speak out. “I didn’t join politics to enrich myself,” he said. “I joined to serve the people and help build a better Nigeria. When those in power betray that mission, it becomes the duty of patriots to resist them.”

El-Rufai’s shift toward the ADC and other opposition coalitions marks a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called on citizens, especially those at the grassroots, to reject the APC at all levels and to unite behind a new political movement that prioritizes service, justice, and equity. “This is the fight of our lives,” he told the crowd. “If we don’t act now, what remains of our national fabric may be permanently lost.”

While political observers have noted El-Rufai’s criticism may be partly fueled by personal grievances, his warnings resonate with growing public frustration. Rising inflation, insecurity, and policy missteps have triggered protests and discontent across various sectors. Many Nigerians have accused the federal government of being tone-deaf and disconnected from the real issues affecting citizens’ daily lives.

So far, the Presidency has not officially responded to El-Rufai’s comments. However, allies of President Tinubu within the APC have begun downplaying the former governor’s remarks, characterizing them as “emotional outbursts” by someone who feels politically betrayed. Yet, El-Rufai's long-standing record as a reform-minded administrator and his influence in northern Nigeria mean his words are likely to carry considerable weight.

Political analysts suggest that El-Rufai’s growing alignment with opposition forces could reshape the 2027 electoral battlefield. If the ADC coalition gains momentum, especially with defectors from the APC and PDP, it could pose a formidable challenge to the current ruling party.

El-Rufai closed his Sokoto address by reminding Nigerians that change often begins with the people. “We cannot afford to stay silent while our country drifts. If those in power refuse to change course, then we must change the people in power,” he declared.