Nasir El-Rufai has made several high-profile and critical statements
regarding the current Nigerian government and his own political path throughout late 2025 and early 2026
Here is a summary of what he has said recently:
1. Criticism of the Tinubu Administration
El-Rufai has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
- "Greater Threat Than Military": In September 2025, he asserted that the current administration represents a greater threat to democratic governance than any previous military regime in Nigeria
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- "President for Life" Warning: He warned that if opposition forces do not unite to end the administration in 2027, Tinubu might attempt to become a "life president," drawing a comparison to Cameroon’s Paul Biya.
- Allegations of Corruption: He labeled the government the "most corrupt and intolerant" since Nigeria's return to civil rule in 1999, specifically criticizing the centralization of power.
2. Political Defection
- Leaving the APC: El-Rufai officially resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that while he was a founding member, his personal values no longer align with the party's current direction
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- Joining the ADC: In November 2025, he defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He has vowed to work toward defeating the APC in the 2027 general elections.
3. Claims Regarding His Ministerial Appointment
El-Rufai claimed that it was President Tinubu, rather than the Senate, who personally blocked his ministerial appointment. He also accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the current Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, of leading a smear campaign against him to hinder his future political prospects.
4. Security and Northern Alliances
- Northern/South-South Alliance: He suggested that for the sake of the country, the North must forge a strategic political alliance with the South-South region.
- Security Situation: He accused the federal government of spreading "false information" regarding the security situation in the country while failing to address the actual root causes of insecurity.
5. Kaduna State Friction
The Kaduna State Government has reacted strongly to his recent comments, accusing him of making "inflammatory statements" and "provocative actions" intended to destabilize the state.
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