“Disgrace to Democracy” — El-Rufai continues Tinubu’s adminstration criticism

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, labeling it “a disgrace to democracy” and cautioning that it is moving toward authoritarianism.

El-Rufai expressed his views over the weekend while hosting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in Kaduna. This meeting followed the violent disruption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) inauguration in the state, where thugs were reported to have attacked attendees.

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In condemning this event, El-Rufai argued that Tinubu’s government has deviated from the principles of democracy and federalism that it once professed to uphold.

“Honestly, to me, this government is a disgrace,” El-Rufai declared. “All the years of saying we were fighting for democracy and true federalism were pretence. What we see today is a civilian administration centralising everything instead of devolving power. It is worse than any military regime we have experienced.”

He likened Tinubu’s style of governance to that of Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya, suggesting that if not checked, the president could attempt to perpetuate himself in power.

Atiku, in his response, praised El-Rufai’s courage and urged opposition leaders to remain united and focused on ensuring that Nigerians vote out the ruling party in 2027.

“I know you are not the type to shy away from a fight,” Atiku said. “That is why we must come together, confront this situation, and make sure that by 2027 the people send them out—not by any other means, but through the ballot box.”

El-Rufai further lauded Atiku’s role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, recalling that under his joint administration with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, citizens were not harassed for holding dissenting views. He insisted that the current government has fallen far short of even past military rulers in respecting political freedoms.

“Nigerians have made up their minds that the APC must go,” he said. “With your leadership, diplomatic skill, and the unity of purpose we are building, I am confident we can take this country to its promised land.”