Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu, calling his government an “evil” that will destroy Nigeria if not stopped.
In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai admitted he played a role in helping Tinubu become president, but now regrets it.
“I just feel that having contributed to bringing this tragedy upon Nigeria by contributing to the emergence of Bola Tinubu as president of Nigeria, I should contribute in my last lap, let me contribute toward removing this evil I believe will destroy Nigeria if left unchecked,” he said.
El-Rufai recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), after the Senate blocked his nomination for a ministerial post. He accused Tinubu of being behind the rejection.
The former governor also admitted in the interview that he supported Tinubu’s presidency even though he was aware of past scandals involving drug-related cases and certificate forgery.
“I knew about the cocaine issue, I knew about the certificate forgery, but I still supported him,” El-Rufai said, adding that he now believes the decision was wrong.
Tensions between the two leaders have grown in recent months. Last week, President Tinubu praised Uba Sani, El-Rufai’s successor, for improving Kaduna State. Tinubu said the state is now better than when El-Rufai was in charge, describing the former administration as a toxic one.
In response, El-Rufai has pledged to work with others to defeat Tinubu in the 2027 elections. “We are building a coalition to rescue Nigeria,” he said.
El-Rufai’s comments have sparked strong reactions across the country, with many Nigerians expressing mixed views about his sudden change of position.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on 2027, when Nigerians will decide again who leads the country.