El-Rufai Rips Tinubu’s Gov’t, Calls It Nigeria’s Worst, Most Corrupt Ever

El-Rufai Rips Tinubu’s Gov’t, Calls It Nigeria’s Worst, Most Corrupt Ever

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i did not mince words in Katsina when he launched a fierce verbal assault on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling it “the most corrupt, intolerant, and dishonest government” Nigeria has had since 1999. His criticism was raw, direct, and aimed squarely at what he sees as the government’s blatant failure to secure lives, tell the truth, or lead with integrity.

While speaking to journalists after paying a condolence visit to Governor Dikko Umar Radda over the loss of his mother, El-Rufa’i made it clear that he believes Tinubu’s government is a far cry from what the country needs. He accused it of using propaganda to cover its incompetence, particularly when it comes to security.

“This is the most corrupt and most intolerant government in Nigeria,” El-Rufa’i fired off without hesitation. “This is the most lying government that depends on false propaganda. They lied that security has improved in Nigeria.”

He didn’t stop there. El-Rufa’i took the opportunity to lay bare what he sees as the real situation on the ground. In his words, Nigerians are not safer. In fact, many communities, especially in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States, still face daily threats from terrorist groups and bandits.

He cited familiar names — Dogo Gide, Mallam Abba (a Boko Haram figure), and Bello Turji — claiming they are still operating freely in the north. Yet, the federal government repeatedly issues statements saying these individuals have been neutralized, which El-Rufa’i believes are outright lies.

“In Kaduna, Dogo Gide is still around. Mallam Abba, the Boko Haram terrorist, is still alive. Bello Turji is still around. But every day, they announce names of people that are bandits’ leaders that they have killed and say security has improved,” he said.

El-Rufa’i called out what he sees as dangerous denial within the corridors of power — a refusal to accept or address the realities Nigerians are facing. He asked: “How many local governments are under the occupation of bandits in Katsina State? How many are occupied by bandits in Zamfara State and some parts of Sokoto State? And because you are in government you think that nothing would happen?”

According to him, the government’s self-deception is not only misleading but potentially catastrophic. It is this disconnection from the suffering of citizens, he said, that underscores the depth of the administration’s failure.

He went on to describe the Tinubu-led federal government as historically bad. “I have said it before, this is the worst Federal Government in Nigerian history and all the indices have shown it,” he said, giving no room for ambiguity or soft-pedaling.

El-Rufa’i also touched on his own political direction. Though long associated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), there are clear signs of a shift. He hinted at aligning with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a platform he described as one of integrity and credibility — the kind of party he believes can confront and unseat the APC come 2027.

Though he didn’t outrightly announce a defection, El-Rufa’i’s message was unmistakable. He’s fed up with the current state of governance and is clearly laying the groundwork for a political rebirth, potentially as a challenger to the very power structure he once helped build.

This outburst comes amid rising tension within the APC. With inflation squeezing ordinary Nigerians, insecurity persisting across the north and other regions, and trust in the government waning, voices like El-Rufa’i’s are no longer lone cries in the wilderness. They echo a broader frustration that’s slowly turning into a political reckoning.

His comments are bound to stir reactions — from those who see him as a bold truth-teller to those who view him as a political opportunist repositioning himself for 2027. Either way, the former FCT Minister has thrown down the gauntlet.

One thing is sure: El-Rufa’i isn’t sitting quietly. He’s coming out swinging — and he’s aiming high.