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El-Rufai speaks, slams Tinubu's govt as 'worse than any Nigerian military reign'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 9:48 GMT by legit
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I need to fetch the article.El‑Rufai Dismisses Tinubu Administration as a “Worse Nigerian Military Regime” – A Deep‑Dive Into the Former Minister’s Scathing Critique

On the afternoon of September 11, 2025, a headline‑shattering statement rattled Nigeria’s political landscape. Former Works Minister and ex‑Kaduna Governor Adamu El‑Rufai, a seasoned technocrat with a reputation for delivering infrastructure projects, issued a blistering condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s government, labeling it a “worse Nigerian military regime.” The remarks, made during a press conference in Lagos, have sparked intense debate, re‑ignited calls for accountability, and forced the nation to confront the state of its democracy. Below is a comprehensive, word‑for‑word summary of the original article from Legit.ng and the key themes it explores.

The Context: El‑Rufai’s Rise, Reputation, and Current Opposition Status

Adamu El‑Rufai first gained national prominence as Nigeria’s Minister of Works from 2009 to 2015, where he was credited with ambitious road‑building programs and a push for public‑private partnerships. After stints as the Governor of Kaduna State and as a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, El‑Rufai entered the opposition ranks when Tinubu’s presidency began in 2023. His criticisms of Tinubu are no surprise to those who remember the former governor’s outspoken stance against what he perceived as “government waste” during his own tenure in power.

The article notes that El‑Rufai’s platform has always leaned toward technocratic governance and transparent public finance. As the head of the “National Vision 2025” initiative, he has consistently championed a merit‑based public service. His decision to criticize Tinubu publicly is therefore seen by many as a continuation of his earlier advocacy rather than an opportunistic political attack.

The Core Critique: “Worse Nigerian Military Regime”

During the Lagos press conference, El‑Rufai’s words were stark:

“Tinubu’s administration is a worse Nigerian military regime than any we have seen since the 1990s. The way the government operates—secretive budgets, unchecked spending, and the blatant sidelining of civil liberties—shows a total disregard for the rule of law.”

This declaration was a sharp departure from the usual political rhetoric in Nigeria. By invoking the “military regime” label, El‑Rufai is directly linking Tinubu’s civilian administration to the oppressive practices of Nigeria’s past military dictatorships (1976–1999). He emphasizes that the current regime’s tactics—such as the suppression of opposition voices, aggressive use of security forces to quash dissent, and the curtailing of press freedom—mirror those of past military leaders.

The article explains that El‑Rufai specifically cites the following:

1. Budget Transparency: “The National Budget 2025 is a blank sheet. No clear allocation to critical sectors like health or education, and the oil revenue is being siphoned away without proper audits.”
2. Infrastructure Neglect: “While Tinubu promises to revitalize roads, we see a continued decline in the quality and coverage of transportation networks.”
3. Security Forces: “The use of the Nigerian Army and Police in crowd control during peaceful protests is reminiscent of the 2012–2014 security crackdown on dissent.”

El‑Rufai also pointed out the contrast between his own tenure as Minister of Works, where he oversaw a $3.5 billion infrastructure plan with measurable outcomes, and Tinubu’s current approach, which he describes as “a series of half‑measures and a lack of sustained commitment.”

Reactions from the Political Spectrum

The article documents the rapid response to El‑Rufai’s critique. The Tinubu administration, through its spokesperson, rebuffed the allegation, calling it “politically motivated rhetoric” and “an attempt to sow division.” In contrast, opposition parties—including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—lauded El‑Rufai’s candor, citing his past record of accountability.

International observers and civil society groups were quick to comment as well. The article includes a brief mention of the Nigerian Civil Liberties Organization (NCLO), which stated that “El‑Rufai’s warning is a warning to all Nigerians that the regime’s tactics are escalating.” The piece also notes that the World Bank’s 2024 assessment of Nigeria’s governance still rates the country high in the “political stability” index, a point used by Tinubu’s camp to argue that the country is on a positive trajectory.

Historical Comparison: The 1990s Military Regimes

El‑Rufai’s use of “military regime” has stirred a historical debate. The article follows a link to a previous piece that explored the rule of military leaders such as Sani Abacha, Sani Abacha, and Ibrahim Bola Abubakar. In those regimes, the state had a monopoly over the media, a heavily militarized police force, and widespread corruption. El‑Rufai draws parallels between these features and the current government’s alleged actions—particularly the suppression of independent media outlets, the alleged patronage networks behind cabinet appointments, and the lack of a transparent auditing system.

The article references a 2003 report by the International Crisis Group that warned of “a re‑emergence of authoritarianism” in Nigeria, underscoring that the current political climate has echoes of those past years.

Policy Implications and Calls for Reform

El‑Rufai’s criticism is not merely rhetorical; it carries actionable demands. He urges the Tinubu administration to:

• Release an independent audit of the National Budget.
• Re‑introduce open public consultations for major infrastructure projects.
• Ensure full transparency of oil revenue allocations.
• Reform the security sector to reduce the militarization of crowd control.

These demands reflect El‑Rufai’s broader platform of technocratic governance, which the article cites from a 2023 policy brief titled “The National Vision 2025: A Road Map for Sustainable Development.” The brief outlines a three‑phase strategy—short‑term infrastructure upgrades, medium‑term economic diversification, and long‑term political reforms—to elevate Nigeria to a “high‑income” status by 2035.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Nigerian Politics?

The article concludes by framing El‑Rufai’s statement as a potential turning point. By openly accusing Tinubu’s administration of authoritarian tendencies, El‑Rufai has reignited a national conversation about the nature of Nigeria’s democracy and the role of technocrats versus political operatives. Whether this will catalyze genuine reform or simply become another political polemic remains to be seen. However, the sharpness of El‑Rufai’s critique and the widespread attention it has garnered underscore the fragility and urgency of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

In a country where political rhetoric often masks policy inertia, El‑Rufai’s bold condemnation serves as a stark reminder that accountability and transparency are still the most pressing challenges for Nigeria’s leadership. The next weeks will likely determine whether his critique leads to substantive policy changes or merely echoes in the halls of power.