Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, describing it as incapable of solving Nigeria’s current problems.
El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, made the remarks during an Arise TV interview on Monday.
He said the current administration lacks the technocratic strength Tinubu was once known for during his time as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.
“This cabinet is the largest in Nigeria’s history, yet very few among them can be regarded as capable or effective,” El-Rufai said.
He recalled that previous administrations had individuals like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Oby Ezekwesili, who brought professional experience and competence to governance.
“Where are the professionals in this government? There’s clearly a lack of quality. What we have now is a disappointment,” he added.
The former governor also admitted he shares in the blame, having supported Tinubu during the 2023 election based on the president’s record in Lagos.
“I supported him because I believed in the legacy he left in Lagos. He brought in experts like Yemi Osinbajo and Wale Edun, and appointed people from different backgrounds. But what we are seeing today is not what I expected,” he said.
El-Rufai said he now feels compelled to speak out and help reverse what he described as a serious mistake.
“I cannot sit back while Nigerians are going through this hardship. If things are not corrected, we could be heading for real trouble,” he added.
He also clarified that he never had a close personal relationship with Tinubu, pointing out that he was more aligned with former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In the party, I was known as one of Buhari’s loyalists. Tinubu had his own camp. My connection was more with Baba Bisi Akande,” he further stated.