Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Kaduna State government and sections of the police of sponsoring thugs to disrupt an opposition coalition meeting in the state.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, El-Rufai described the incident, which was marred by gunshots and violence, as evidence of the “collapse of Nigeria’s policing system.”
He dismissed allegations that he orchestrated the chaos, insisting that police officers on the ground “provided cover for government-sponsored thugs.” He added that he had previously submitted petitions to the Inspector General of Police over alleged abductions and harassment of critics in Kaduna.
Responding to suggestions that the political gathering lacked proper notification, El-Rufai argued that no law or constitutional provision requires such notice, accusing the state government of overreach and rights violations.
The former governor also addressed questions about his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring himself a leader of the coalition. He criticized attempts by local party figures to disown him, emphasizing that his role in the coalition was not subject to debate.
On governance, El-Rufai defended his eight-year tenure as Kaduna governor, stating that his administration made visible progress in security, infrastructure, and public service. However, he condemned the current government’s approach to banditry, which he described as a “kiss-the-bandits policy.” He maintained that “the only repentant bandit is a dead one,” calling for decisive military action instead of negotiations.
Turning to national issues, El-Rufai criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing rising poverty and economic decline. He noted that the naira had plummeted from ₦400 to ₦1,600 per dollar under the current government, while 30 million more Nigerians had been pushed into poverty. He accused the administration of “cronyism of the highest order,” claiming it came into office solely to enrich itself and its allies.
El-Rufai concluded by urging opposition parties to strengthen their structures ahead of 2027, warning that without a strong political coalition, the ruling APC could continue to dominate, despite what he described as widespread governance failures.
