In a fiery appearance on Arise News Channel’s PrimeTime show on June 23, 2025, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed deep regret over his role in bringing President Bola Tinubu to power. El-Rufai openly declared that he feels he contributed to Nigeria’s problems by supporting Tinubu, whom he described as “evil,” and suggested that he should now work to remove him from office.
El-Rufai stated, “Nigerians are tired of the APC. Ninety-one percent of citizens disapprove of it. They want alternatives. They want people who can put aside their differences.” He revealed that he is among the promoters of a new coalition, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which includes individuals from a variety of political backgrounds, unified by the goal of fixing Nigeria’s challenges.
During the show, he clarified that the coalition comprises members from various factions, including those aligned with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, as well as former ministers from the Buhari administration. El-Rufai emphasized that he does not represent the Social Democratic Party (SDP) within this coalition, but he is committed to its objective of addressing the nation’s issues.
He noted that the coalition might eventually form a single political party if necessary, stating, “If there’s a need to form a political party, we will leave our groups and join a political party.” El-Rufai drew comparisons between the current political climate and the circumstances leading to the downfall of Goodluck Jonathan’s government in 2015, highlighting the need for unity among smaller parties to challenge the ruling administration.
In a moment of candid self-reflection, El-Rufai cautioned Nigerians against blindly trusting his political endorsements, admitting that he may not be adept at selecting the right candidates. He criticized Tinubu’s cabinet, calling it the “largest in Nigeria’s history” and lacking in competence, and expressed disappointment that Tinubu did not adopt the effective governance model he implemented in Lagos.
Despite his criticisms, El-Rufai insisted that he is not pursuing the presidency for himself, focusing instead on correcting what he sees as a national tragedy. He suggested that the coalition should consider adopting the SDP as its platform for the upcoming 2027 elections, citing its historical significance and legacy.
El-Rufai’s remarks come at a time of growing discontent among Nigerians regarding the performance of the APC-led government, with rising inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship dominating public discourse. The coalition is expected to clarify its structure and leadership in the coming weeks, as it seeks to present a viable alternative to the current administration.
