Disowns Tinubu, Joins Opposition Coalition to ‘Rescue Nigeria’

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made a dramatic political turn, denouncing the Bola Tinubu administration he once helped bring to power. In a no-holds-barred interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai described the current leadership as a “national tragedy” and said he feels morally compelled—not politically driven—to help reverse what he considers a looming disaster for Nigeria.

El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed deep regret for backing President Tinubu’s 2023 candidacy. “I just feel that having contributed to bringing about this tragedy to Nigeria, by contributing to the emergence of Bola Tinubu as president, I should contribute in my last lap… let me contribute towards removing this evil that I believe will destroy Nigeria if left unchecked,” he said during the live interview on Monday.

The former governor clarified that he harbors no personal political ambition but sees his latest moves as a duty to correct the path Nigeria is on. His harsh criticism of the administration reflects rising discontent among political stakeholders and signals a potential realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Backing a New Opposition Movement

El-Rufai confirmed his support for an emerging opposition coalition designed to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the very party he helped build. He revealed that the coalition is considering either adopting an existing political platform or forming a new party entirely.

“You don’t go to war with only one plan,” El-Rufai said. “Very early in our discussions, the leaders of the coalition decided we’ll not only look for existing platforms and identify one that is suitable for all of us to go under one roof, but we’ll also explore the possibility of registering a brand new party.”

This development could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape as several opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have recently been weakened by internal conflicts. El-Rufai accused the APC of deliberately fueling these divisions.

According to him, the ruling party is “sponsoring political viruses” to destabilize opposition ranks. “What the government and the ruling party have been doing is to create problems in the opposition parties by recruiting and financing viruses to multiply. This is what is happening in the Labour Party, the PDP, and even the NNPP,” he alleged.

Regrets and Reflections on Tinubu’s Rise

El-Rufai also addressed public assumptions about his political closeness to Tinubu. “I was never close to Bola Tinubu. I was a Buhari Boy; he had his boys. My job was delivering Kaduna for Tinubu when he won the party,” he clarified.

He explained that the Northern APC governors, after Buhari’s presidency, agreed that power should shift to the South. Despite concerns over Tinubu’s health and credibility, the group felt his past performance as Lagos governor made him a viable candidate.

“We checked how he governed Lagos, and it was an inclusive government; he did a decent job. Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future. So we said if he can do half of that in Nigeria, then it’s good,” El-Rufai said, recalling their rationale at the time.

However, he now believes the decision was misplaced. Expressing disappointment in the Tinubu administration’s failure to form a competent team, El-Rufai said, “The one thing I was almost confident Tinubu would do was to pick a sound cabinet. There is no quality.”

Declined Government Role Despite Personal Appeal

In a major revelation, El-Rufai stated that President Tinubu personally and publicly pleaded with him to join his cabinet, an offer he turned down. “I think God saved me from the embarrassment of having to be part of this disaster. Tinubu begged me publicly to serve in his government, the videos are there,” he said.

El-Rufai thanked God for his decision not to participate in the current administration, saying it spared him from sharing blame for the country’s mounting challenges, including electricity shortages and continued insecurity. “I thank God because I don’t have to explain to Nigerians why there’s no light, and the killings,” he remarked.

A Possible Political Earthquake Ahead of 2027

El-Rufai’s sharp rebuke and his alignment with a new opposition force could be the start of a larger political shake-up. His insider knowledge, combined with disillusionment from within the APC, positions him as a critical figure in the countdown to 2027.

While he insists his actions are not fueled by personal ambition, political analysts believe his influence and network could significantly boost any anti-APC coalition’s chances, especially in Northern Nigeria where he remains a formidable political figure.

As Nigeria grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, and governance concerns, El-Rufai’s bold declaration adds to growing pressure on the Tinubu administration and sets the stage for a potentially heated and transformative election season.