In a blistering interview on Arise TV, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, launched a ferocious attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, declaring that his decision to support Tinubu’s rise to power was a grave mistake he now intends to correct.
El-Rufai, known for his candour and political acumen, disclosed that a new political movement—All Democratic Alliance (ADA)—has been birthed by a coalition of opposition figures in preparation for the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition resolved to form a fresh party due to mounting concerns over infiltration and sabotage within existing opposition platforms.
> “What this government has done is to inject viruses into opposition parties—funding factions and sponsoring crises in the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP,” El-Rufai said. “To prevent that, many of our leaders agreed that the best path forward is to start afresh.”
He revealed that efforts to register the new party are already in motion, with official documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, El-Rufai warned that the Tinubu-led federal government may attempt to frustrate the process.
> “We suspect the government will do everything it can to block the registration of the ADA,” he warned. “But the law is clear—if INEC doesn’t respond within a stipulated timeframe, the party is deemed registered. We’re ready to call out INEC if they refuse to act in accordance with the law.”
“Tinubu Must Not Continue Beyond 2027”
El-Rufai did not mince words in expressing his disillusionment with the president he once championed.
> “I helped bring Bola Tinubu to office, and I regret it deeply,” he admitted. “Now, I want to contribute to removing this administration before it destroys Nigeria.”
He described Tinubu’s presidency as a monumental failure on all fronts, citing widespread disapproval and worsening economic hardship.
> “In the Southeast and parts of the North, Tinubu has a 91 percent disapproval rating. Even in Lagos, it’s 78 percent. The guy is gone. Nigerians are simply waiting for the next opportunity to show him the way out.”
El-Rufai accused the president of grossly mismanaging national resources, recycling completed state projects for political mileage, and inflicting economic pain on the populace.
> “Every morning, I wake up and thank God I’m not part of this government,” he said defiantly. “They are inflicting pain on Nigerians and parading it as reform.”
The former governor didn’t stop there. He took a swipe at the current federal cabinet, branding it the largest yet most ineffective in Nigeria’s history.
> “This is the biggest cabinet we’ve ever had, but maybe only five ministers are actually doing any real work. The rest are either clueless or simply warming their seats.”
He dismissed insinuations that his opposition was fueled by the Senate’s refusal to confirm his ministerial nomination.
> “Perhaps that’s why they think I’m bitter. But I honestly don’t care. Being outside this government is a blessing.”
While temporarily aligned with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai clarified that his loyalty lies with the broader coalition. He stressed that the time had come for opposition figures—regardless of party affiliation—to unite and rescue the nation.
> “The SDP has legacy and emotional value, but this is not about personal feelings—it’s about Nigerians. Nigerians are tired of the APC, and we must give them a viable alternative.”
> “Atiku is still in PDP, Peter Obi hasn’t left Labour Party, I joined the SDP for strategic reasons. But when consensus is reached, we will all migrate to ADA. Unity is non-negotiable.”
In a scathing finale, El-Rufai branded the current ruling elite as “urban bandits,” accusing them of systematically wrecking the nation.
> “This ruling class are urban bandits. They are looting Nigeria and destroying everything in their path. We must stop them before it’s too late.”
El-Rufai’s thunderous declarations may mark a turning point in Nigeria’s political trajectory, as the countdown to 2027 begins. With the emergence of the All Democratic Alliance and increasing discontent across the country, the road ahead promises to be turbulent—and potentially transformative.
PIONEER NEWS 