Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Immediate-past Governor of Kaduna State and former ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has regretted supporting his presidential bid in 2023, describing the President as a tragedy.
El-Rufai who is now among the leaders of the building opposition against Tinubu’s second term bid in 2027, featured on Arise Television show Monday night where he apologized to Nigerians for bringing Tinubu in 2023.
He criticised the President for lack of cohesion and quality, saying that Tinubu ran inclusive Government as Lagos Governor but has turned to something else as President.
El-Rufai further alleged that Tinubu’s cabinet lacked technocrats needed to drive the economy.
He claimed it was Tinubu’s Lagos legacies that made him support him in 2023, but regretted that decision with a vow to stop him in 2027 for non-performance.
El-Rufai said Nigeria would be destroyed if Tinubu were left unchecked in 2027.
He said: “Tinubu’s cabinet lacks quality. Look at his cabinet — it’s a joke. It is the largest in Nigeria’s history, and maybe only five of them can be called real ministers.
“In my time as a minister 20 years ago, we had individuals of the calibre of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Oby Ezekwesili.
“Who do you see in this cabinet that fits that profile? There is simply no quality. We brought a tragedy upon Nigeria.
“I supported him because I believed in his Lagos legacy. He was inclusive. He brought in professionals like Yemi Osinbajo, and Wale Edun from the private sector.
“He appointed Igbos and Hausas in key roles, and he got things done. But now… this?
“I feel like I owe Nigeria a duty to correct this mistake. I am 65 now, approaching retirement, but I cannot rest knowing that I helped bring in a government that is hurting Nigerians.
“I will do all I can, with others, to reverse this trajectory. If we leave this unchecked, Nigeria will be destroyed.”
On the proposed registration of All Democratic Alliance, ADA, as a political party, the former Governor expressed doubt if the electoral umpire under Professor Mahmood Yakubu, would agree to register the new platform.
“INEC might not register new party. Many of us do not believe that under the current leadership of INEC, a new party would be registered because Mahmood Yakubu is not Jega, and President Tinubu is not Jonathan. Those were the people in charge when APC was registered.”
El-Rufai explained why he preferred the Social Democratic Party, SDP, as the ideal platform for the coalition.
“I strongly believe that SDP is the best platform for the coalition because it has a history, a legacy, sentimental value and everything about it is almost perfect. I am advocating for that amongst my colleagues.”
Ikengaonline had reported that that El-Rufai; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and others formed a coalition that is making frantic efforts to unseat Tinubu in 2027.
