Nasir El-Rufai, a key figure in Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 election victory, has publicly criticized the government’s economic policies, particularly the decision to import food to curb rising prices. In an interview with Arise TV, the former governor argued that such measures would harm local farmers by forcing them to compete with subsidized agricultural products from foreign markets.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had been widely expected to serve as a top minister in Tinubu’s cabinet. However, his nomination was blocked by the Senate following a security report, a decision he now attributes directly to the president rather than the legislature.
While maintaining private discussions with senior administration officials, El-Rufai expressed growing discontent with the party’s direction, criticizing its abandonment of core values and internal democracy. He warned that unless significant reforms take place, he may leave the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding to his remarks, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga suggested that El-Rufai should move past his disappointment over not being appointed a minister. Meanwhile, speculation continues over whether the former governor will align himself with opposition forces as he has recently been seen engaging with figures outside the ruling party.
El-Rufai’s statements signal deepening divisions within the APC, raising questions about the party’s stability as Nigeria navigates economic challenges and political realignments.
