Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being worse than a military regime, warning that it poses a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
El-Rufai made the remarks while hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his residence over the weekend. Atiku had paid him a solidarity visit following an attack by suspected thugs during the inauguration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State.
The former governor, who described the incident and the government’s handling of it as a disgrace, alleged that Tinubu’s administration is centralizing power rather than promoting true federalism.
“Honestly, sir, it is a disgrace. All the years of saying we were for democracy and NADECO, all the claims of fighting for true federalism, were all a pretense. This government is trying to centralize everything instead of devolving power to the lower levels,” El-Rufai said.
He further warned that unless Nigerians unite to vote out the APC-led administration in 2027, Tinubu could attempt to entrench himself in power.
“We are facing an evil of such large proportion in this country’s history. If we don’t come together and end this administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya. All the signs are there—this is how Paul Biya started,” he added.