Tinubu Administration Is Threatening Democracy, Says El-Rufai

Tinubu Administration Is Threatening Democracy, Says El-Rufai

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration represents a greater threat to Nigeria’s democracy than any military regime the country has faced.

El-Rufai made the statement while hosting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar at his Kaduna residence over the weekend. Their discussion largely centered on concerns about Tinubu’s governance and comparisons to military rule.

Atiku visited El-Rufai in solidarity following an attack that disrupted the inauguration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna.

The event was stormed by thugs, leading to accusations between El-Rufai and the Kaduna State government about who was responsible for the disturbance. Subsequently, the police summoned El-Rufai and several ADC leaders for questioning.

During Atiku’s visit, El-Rufai accused Tinubu’s government of centralizing power and undermining federalism, warning that the president risks becoming like Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982. He noted that these centralizing tactics echo those often used by military regimes.

“Honestly, sir, it is a disgrace. All the years spent claiming to support democracy and NADECO, all the talk about fighting for true federalism, it was all pretence,” El-Rufai said. “This government is working to concentrate power instead of devolving it to lower levels.”

He added, “We are facing an unprecedented evil in Nigeria’s history. If we do not unite to end the Tinubu administration by 2027, he will try to become our Paul Biya. The signs are clear; this is how Biya began.”

El-Rufai also argued that previous leaders never harassed political opponents the way Tinubu’s government does, noting that such repression was generally linked to military regimes, yet it is now coming from civilian rule.

“You, Atiku, have experience fighting military rule and leading democratic governance. When you and Obasanjo were in power, no one was harassed for political differences—not even President Buhari with his military background did that. But now, civilians are behaving worse than any military regime we’ve seen,” El-Rufai said.

He praised Atiku’s call for unity, stating, “The people of Nigeria have decided that APC must be voted out. Nigerians are eager for Tinubu’s removal. We must provide the leadership and unity of purpose needed, and with your leadership and diplomatic skills, I am confident we will reach the Promised Land.”

In response, Atiku commended El-Rufai’s courage and urged opposition leaders to remain united in their efforts to democratically defeat President Tinubu in the 2027 election.

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