Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, labeling it the most corrupt and intolerant government Nigeria has seen since the return to democracy in 1999.
Speaking with journalists in Katsina, El-Rufa’i said the current federal government under Tinubu is “the worst in Nigerian history,” accusing it of relying on propaganda to mask its failures—especially in addressing the country’s persistent security crisis.
“This is the most corrupt and most intolerant government in Nigeria,” El-Rufai declared.
“This is the most lying government that depends on false propaganda. They lied that security has improved in Nigeria.”
The former FCT minister was in Katsina to commiserate with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on the death of his mother. During the interview, he dismissed claims by the federal government that the security situation has improved, asserting that many communities in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto are still plagued by violent insecurity.
“In Kaduna, Dogo Gide is still around, Mallam Abba, the Boko Haram terrorist is still alive. Bello Turji is still around but every day, they announce names of people that are bandits’ leaders that they have killed and [say] security has improved,” he said.
He questioned the government’s credibility, pointing to the continued presence and activity of notorious terrorist leaders.
“How many local governments are under the occupation of bandits in Katsina State? How many are occupied by bandits in Zamfara State and some parts of Sokoto State? And because you are in government you think that nothing would happen?” he asked.
El-Rufai also used the occasion to speak on his political future, describing the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—which he has reportedly aligned with—as a party of integrity poised to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
“I have said it before, this is the worst Federal Government in Nigerian history and all the indices have shown it,” he concluded.
