Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Incompetent, clannish Tinubu-led govt will destroy Nigeria if re-elected in 2027: El-Rufai

Mr El-Rufai’s opposition of the Tinubu-led government stems from his fallout with the president after his ministerial nomination was blocked by the Senate.

• August 3, 2025
Nasir El-Rufai and President Bola Tinubu
Nasir El-Rufai and President Bola Tinubu

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has berated President Bola Tinubu’s government as “incompetent and clannish,” saying it will destroy Nigeria if allowed a second term in office.

Mr El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, during his visit to Sokoto State on Saturday, called for grassroots support for the African Democratic Congress coalition to stop the APC’s misrule.

“If we allow this APC government another term, what remains of Nigeria’s social fabric may be destroyed. This is the fight of our lives,” Mr El-Rufai said.

“The APC government is incompetent and clannish, and it’s clear that they have failed to address the many challenges facing our country. We cannot allow them to continue in power; it’s time for a change.” 

The former Kaduna governor said he “didn’t get into politics to enrich myself but to serve. And when a government ceases to serve the people, it is my duty as a senior citizen to not only speak out but take action to reverse the situation.”

Mr El-Rufai was a major campaigner for Mr Tinubu’s election in 2023. However, his opposition of the Tinubu-led government stems from his fallout with the president after his ministerial nomination was blocked by the Senate.

Mr El-Rufai had blamed Mr Tinubu for blocking his appointment, describing his former political ally as an evil and disaster he helped bring to power.

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