El-Rufai Unleashes Firestorm: Blasts Tinubu's Cabinet, Orchestrates 2027 Coalition
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has ignited a political inferno, launching scathing criticisms against President Bola Tinubu's administration and actively positioning himself as a kingmaker, or even a formidable force, in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election. His recent pronouncements have not only generated significant debate but are also seen as a direct challenge to the incumbent's re-election bid.
The Blistering Critique: "A Cabinet of Jokers"
El-Rufai, known for his blunt and often controversial remarks, hasn't held back in his assessment of President Tinubu's ministerial team:
* "Tinubu's cabinet is a joke": In a startling declaration, El-Rufai asserted that the current federal cabinet lacks the necessary competence to steer Nigeria through its current challenges. He famously claimed that only about five of the ministers could be considered "real ministers," with the rest falling short.
* A Stark Contrast: Drawing on his extensive experience in previous administrations, including the Obasanjo era where he served as FCT Minister, El-Rufai lamented the absence of technocrats of the caliber of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Oby Ezekwesili in the current government.
* Taking Partial Blame: In a rare display of self-reflection, the former governor admitted his share of responsibility for what he terms the "tragedy" of the current administration. He stated that his support for Tinubu in the 2023 elections was based on a "betrayed" faith in the President's past governance in Lagos.
* "Saved the Embarrassment": El-Rufai even expressed relief at the Senate's non-confirmation of his ministerial nomination in 2023, stating it would have been an "embarrassment" to be associated with a "disastrous" government. He has publicly claimed that despite his nomination, President Tinubu himself ultimately did not want him in the cabinet.
2027: A New Political Chess Game
Beyond his criticisms, El-Rufai is actively shaping the discourse for the next election cycle:
* "Tinubu would be lucky to come third": This audacious prediction from a former ally directly challenges the perceived invincibility of an incumbent president and signals El-Rufai's belief in a potential voter backlash against the current administration's performance.
* Orchestrating Opposition Unity: El-Rufai has emerged as a key advocate for a broad opposition coalition. He has confirmed active discussions with other political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Labour Party's Peter Obi, to forge a united front against the ruling APC in 2027.
* The SDP as a New Platform? Speculation is rife that this proposed coalition, tentatively named the "All Democratic Alliance (ADA)," is eyeing the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its political vehicle. This speculation gained significant traction when El-Rufai himself officially defected from the APC to the SDP in March 2025. Other figures like Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo are also reportedly part of these discussions.
* Denial of Personal Presidential Ambition (for now): While deeply involved in the machinations, El-Rufai has consistently denied any personal presidential ambition for 2027. He asserts his primary motivation is to "correct the mistake" of 2023 and help "remove the evil" he believes he inadvertently contributed to.
The Underlying Currents: Ministerial Snub and Northern Influence
Political analysts largely interpret El-Rufai's sharpened rhetoric and strategic maneuvers as a direct consequence of the Senate's rejection of his ministerial nomination in 2023, which cited unspecified "security reports." This personal setback is widely seen as a catalyst for his current outspokenness.
As a shrewd and experienced political operator, El-Rufai's statements are rarely accidental. They are often calculated to achieve specific political aims, influence public opinion, and shape new narratives. His significant influence in the North-West, a crucial voting bloc, means his pronouncements, including his assertion that "Tinubu is not sure of Northern support," carry substantial weight.
While the APC has largely dismissed El-Rufai's remarks as stemming from "inordinate ambition" and "unmet expectations," his actions are undeniably shaking up Nigeria's political landscape, adding a new layer of intrigue and complexity to the unfolding 2027 presidential race.
