In a fiery rebuttal to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu, a civic group has accused the ex-governor of playing “the politics of entitlement” following his exclusion from the federal cabinet.
The Citizens Collective for Good Governance (CCGG) issued a strongly-worded statement calling El-Rufai’s remarks — including his claim that 91% of Nigerians disapprove of President Tinubu — a fabrication born from political disappointment.
“A Tantrum, Not Truth” – Group Says El-Rufai’s Anger Is Personal
According to the group’s spokesperson, Dr. Abdulkadri, El-Rufai’s recent media outburst is less about national interest and more about his bruised ego after being passed over for a ministerial role.
“This is a tantrum from someone who assumed he had a permanent place at the table,” Dr. Abdulkadri said, dismissing the former governor’s remarks as driven by self-interest rather than statesmanship.
Debt, Division, and Displacement — El-Rufai’s Kaduna Legacy Called Into Question
The CCGG didn’t stop at the present. The group took El-Rufai to task over his eight-year rule in Kaduna, accusing him of leaving the state with a crippling debt burden, worsening insecurity, and deep ethnic divisions.
They described his record as one that disqualifies him from pointing fingers at the current administration.
“How can someone who left his state in ruins try to claim the moral high ground?” the group asked.
Tinubu’s Reforms Praised Amid Backlash
The group also defended Tinubu’s presidency, crediting him with bold reforms in education, oil and gas, anti-corruption, and infrastructure. They cited the student loan scheme, the end of fuel subsidy, and efforts to attract foreign investment as key achievements.
“President Tinubu is not chasing cheap popularity but laying foundations for real change,” the group added.
“Entitlement Politics Must End” — Group Urges Unity and Political Maturity
In a final swipe at El-Rufai, the group reminded Nigerians that cabinet appointments are a presidential prerogative, not an entitlement.
They called on citizens to reject “resentment-driven politics” and rally behind ongoing reforms, insisting that President Tinubu deserves both time and support to execute his vision for Nigeria.
“Let’s move forward as a nation. It’s time to stop shouting about who got what position and start fixing what’s broken.”
