Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming it poses a greater danger to Nigeria’s democracy than any past military government.
Speaking during a solidarity visit by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar at his residence, El-Rufai described the Tinubu administration as “a disgrace to the very principles of democracy.” Atiku had visited following an attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) inauguration in Kaduna, which was disrupted by thugs.
El-Rufai accused the Tinubu government of authoritarian tendencies, likening the president to Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982. He warned that centralising power at the federal level was eroding Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“The sum total of this is that we are facing an evil of such a large proportion… if we don’t come together and end this Tinubu administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya. All the signs are there,” El-Rufai said.
He also argued that even past military leaders and former President Muhammadu Buhari allowed greater political freedom, insisting the current government is worse than “any military regime we’ve ever had.”
Responding, Atiku praised El-Rufai’s courage and urged opposition figures to unite in order to democratically remove Tinubu in 2027.
What you should know
Nasir El-Rufai’s remarks signal deepening rifts within Nigeria’s political class, with former allies of Tinubu now openly criticising his administration.
His comparison of Tinubu to Paul Biya underscores fears of authoritarian drift, while Atiku’s response suggests opposition parties may seek a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
