President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, calling his administration “toxic” and praising the leadership of Governor Uba Sani for bringing progress and stability to the state. Speaking at the commissioning of a vocational training institute and a hospital in Kaduna, Tinubu contrasted the past with the present, highlighting the positive changes under Sani’s leadership.
The comments mark the first direct public rebuke of El-Rufai, with whom Tinubu had previously been allied. Their relationship has deteriorated since El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and his accusations that Tinubu orchestrated the Senate’s rejection of his ministerial appointment. El-Rufai also criticized the president over alleged scandals.
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Tinubu’s remarks signal a growing political divide between the two, with the president aligning with Sani to reframe the political direction of Kaduna. This rift is seen as part of the broader political dynamics leading into the 2027 elections, where El-Rufai is expected to challenge Tinubu’s second-term bid.
