Ex-governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai has faulted the government of President Bola Tinubu as having gone into authoritarianism, likening the manner of the president to that of Cameroon’s long-serving leader Paul Biya.
El-Rufai said this on Saturday during a solidarity visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following an attack reportedly carried out by “APC-sponsored thugs” at the inauguration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna days ago.
Describing the administration as “a shame to democratic ideals,” El-Rufai accused Tinubu of centralizing powers rather than strengthening federalism.
“All those years of protesting that we were for democracy and federalism were a facade. This government is centralizing everything instead of devolving power. If Nigerians don’t unite to vote Tinubu out in 2027, he will attempt to hold himself in office like Paul Biya. All the indications are there this is how Paul Biya started,” he warned.
He praised Atiku for his past struggles for democracy and urged him to rally the opposition into unity. “Nigerians are waiting in anticipation for Tinubu’s exit. With your vision and diplomacy, I believe we can reach the promised land,” El-Rufai said.
Responding, Atiku praised El-Rufai’s bravery and signed up with him for calling for a united opposition, demanding that Tinubu must be checked by democratic means. “We have to make sure this does not continue the rest of his term and vote them out in 2027, through the ballot box,” Atiku stated.
