Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has openly criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as the “worst federal government” Nigeria has ever experienced.
El-Rufai made this bold claim while addressing journalists on Monday, April 14, in Katsina State.
His comments have since sparked reactions across the country, especially from citizens already grappling with the current economic hardship.
He did not hold back in his assessment of the current administration.
“This is the worst federal government in Nigerian history and all the indices have shown it. This is the most corrupt and most intolerant government in Nigeria,” he stated.
According to him, the current leadership has also become notorious for spreading misleading information.
“This is the most lying government that depends on false propaganda,” El-Rufai added.
The former governor’s remarks reflect growing frustrations among Nigerians who have continued to face a harsh economic climate.
Prices of goods and services have surged, and citizens now struggle to afford even the most basic items, a situation that has pushed many to resort to alternatives like buying sachet Fanta, which was once unheard of.
Moreover, El-Rufai criticized the federal government’s handling of the nation’s security challenges.
He accused officials of painting a false picture of safety and progress.
“They lied that security has improved in Nigeria. They read out numbers of bandits killed except the ones we know are the leading bandits,” he noted.
In his statement, he identified notorious criminals who, according to him, are still active.
“In Kaduna, Dogo Gide is still around, and 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 security has improved,” El-Rufai explained.
The former governor insisted that the root causes of insecurity remain unaddressed.
“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?”
He asked, pointing out that the claims of progress by the federal government are detached from the actual reality on the ground.
He also expressed concern over the government’s growing intolerance for dissenting voices and opposing views, which he claims is unlike any administration since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
The former governor’s tone, though direct, reflects the sentiments of many citizens who believe that unless there is a shift in governance style, things may continue to decline.
Therefore, this call-out by El-Rufai is not merely political but also a plea for urgent correction.
