El-Rufai’s Political Flip-Flop Sparks Charly Boy’s Criticism, Labels Former Governor as Double-Talking Opportunist

 

Veteran Nigerian musician and activist Charles Oputa, better known as Charly Boy, has openly criticized former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. In an intense Facebook post on Tuesday, the outspoken celebrity lashed out at El-Rufai, accusing him of insincerity and flip-flopping on his political stance regarding the controversial 2023 presidential election.

El-Rufai, once a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had recently apologized to Nigerians, admitting his role in undermining the opposition during the election. In an attempt to maintain his political relevance, El-Rufai, who is now part of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was quick to align himself with forces critical of President Bola Tinubu’s government, even though he was a major player in Tinubu’s victory.

The irony of his newfound alignment with opposition groups hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by Charly Boy, who has never shied away from calling out political figures he believes to be manipulative or hypocritical. According to Charly Boy, El-Rufai’s apology for his role in what many saw as a controversial election outcome is nothing more than a ploy to regain favor with Nigerians, a tactic he describes as speaking “from both sides of his mouth.”

The long-standing political rivalry between El-Rufai and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, also came into focus. El-Rufai had actively worked against Obi’s presidential bid, a fact that many, including Charly Boy, believe led to the defeat of the Labour Party candidate in the highly contested election. Now that El-Rufai has switched allegiance and voiced his discontent with the way the election was manipulated to favor Tinubu, Charly Boy sees this as a convenient attempt to cover up his role in what he views as an undemocratic process.

“Now that he’s been sidelined, e don dey expose dia corruption,” Charly Boy wrote in his post, underscoring the fact that El-Rufai’s attempts to distance himself from the actions of the APC seem disingenuous. The accusations of corruption that El-Rufai is allegedly now exposing, according to Charly Boy, are likely to be dismissed as attempts at self-preservation rather than genuine efforts to bring about accountability.

El-Rufai’s shift in political affiliation has raised eyebrows across Nigeria’s political landscape. Once one of the most vocal supporters of Tinubu’s presidential ambition, El-Rufai’s sudden decision to abandon the APC and join forces with the opposition ahead of the 2027 election is seen by some as a strategic maneuver rather than a true ideological shift. Charly Boy has been especially vocal about the way Nigerian politicians often switch sides when it suits them, accusing them of lacking principles and consistency.

For many Nigerians, the 2023 election remains a point of contention, with widespread accusations of electoral manipulation. El-Rufai’s apparent regret for his role in supporting the election process that many believe was rigged to favor Tinubu has only added fuel to the fire. Critics argue that El-Rufai’s apology is too little, too late, and comes off as self-serving rather than sincere. Charly Boy’s comments resonate with a growing disillusionment among Nigerians who feel that their votes are regularly undermined by political elites who prioritize personal gain over democratic integrity.

The core of Charly Boy’s criticism lies in his belief that Nigerian politicians, especially those in positions of power, often act in their own self-interest at the expense of the country’s progress. For him, El-Rufai’s apology and his newfound alliance with the opposition represent nothing more than a last-ditch attempt to stay relevant as political tides shift.

This rhetoric highlights the broader political challenges facing Nigeria as the country gears up for the 2027 election. With figures like El-Rufai switching parties and publicly criticizing past decisions, it raises questions about the integrity and loyalty of many politicians. If such figures can so easily discard their previous allegiances and turn on their former allies, it is little wonder that many Nigerians remain cynical about the political system and the true intentions of those at the helm.

Charly Boy’s pointed remarks are not only a critique of El-Rufai but also a broader condemnation of the way Nigerian politics has become a game of convenience. The lack of transparency, the ease with which politicians flip sides, and the constant maneuvering for power have contributed to widespread disillusionment among ordinary Nigerians, many of whom feel that their voices are ignored in the political process.

While some see El-Rufai’s apology as a step toward acknowledging the flaws in the 2023 election process, Charly Boy’s criticism underscores a growing frustration with the insincerity of political figures. Nigerians are increasingly demanding accountability, and figures like El-Rufai, once seen as powerful agents of change, are now viewed with skepticism as their true motivations come under scrutiny.

As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections, it remains to be seen how these shifting political allegiances will affect the country’s democratic future. What is clear, however, is that the public’s trust in its leaders is eroding, and the desire for genuine change is becoming more pronounced.

Charly Boy, as usual, continues to be an outspoken voice in the fight for a more transparent and accountable Nigeria, challenging politicians like El-Rufai to walk the talk rather than merely shift sides for personal or political advantage.