In a fiery broadside that has rattled the political establishment, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has declared that Nigeria is in its biggest trouble yet, alleging that “urban bandits” have taken over the reins of power under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during a private meeting that later leaked to the public, El-Rufai spared no words in condemning what he described as a dangerous shift in leadership style and priorities, accusing the current government of being held hostage by a cabal of self-serving elites with no vision for the country.
“We used to worry about rural bandits kidnapping our people, now urban bandits are kidnapping our economy and governance,” El-Rufai said, his voice laced with frustration. “Nigeria has never been this vulnerable — not even during our darkest security years.”
The former minister and APC stalwart warned that the current trajectory under President Tinubu could collapse the nation’s institutions if unchecked. He lamented the growing influence of unelected actors and political fixers he claims now dictate the affairs of the nation from air-conditioned offices in Abuja and Lagos.
Political watchers view El-Rufai’s outburst as a sharp departure from the loyalty expected within the ruling party and an ominous signal of deepening cracks within the APC. His comments come amidst rising inflation, public sector strikes, insecurity in the North, and mounting public anger over economic hardship.
While the Presidency is yet to officially respond, sources in the Villa have described El-Rufai’s remarks as “reckless and unpatriotic,” accusing him of playing the role of a political saboteur after being sidelined from key national appointments.
However, many Nigerians online have praised the ex-governor for “saying it as it is,” calling his statement a much-needed wake-up call for a government many believe is growing increasingly disconnected from the people.
With 2027 still far off, El-Rufai’s explosive words may mark the beginning of a political realignment — or a declaration of war from within the house that Tinubu built.
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