Tinubu’s Cabinet a National Tragedy, INEC Won’t Register Our Party – El-Rufai Blows Hot on Arise TV

El-Rufai has delivered a scathing verdict on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, accusing him of abandoning the inclusive and technocratic governance model that once made Lagos a benchmark.

Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, July 1, 2025, the former Kaduna governor described the current federal cabinet as the “worst in Nigeria’s history,” lamenting the absence of high-calibre professionals like those who served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He named Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Obiageli Ezekwesili as examples of the kind of leadership Nigeria currently lacks.

Rejecting any romanticism of the Tinubu legacy, El-Rufai clarified that his support for the President during the 2023 elections was based on the inclusive style Tinubu employed as Lagos governor between 1999 and 2007. “He brought in people from across ethnic and professional divides — Osinbajo, Edun, even Igbos and Hausas,” he said. “But this federal cabinet? A joke. Maybe only five people are fit to be called ministers.”

El-Rufai, 65, said he now feels a personal burden to reverse what he termed a catastrophic mistake. “I feel responsible. I believed in a vision that has not only collapsed but is now hurting millions of Nigerians. If we do nothing, Nigeria could be destroyed. I’m near retirement, but I won’t rest.”

Turning to the opposition’s efforts to form a new political force, El-Rufai expressed doubt that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu would register a new party. Drawing a contrast with former INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, under whom the APC was registered, he declared, “Mahmood is not Jega, and Tinubu is not Jonathan. Many of us believe a new party registration under this INEC is nearly impossible.”

He further suggested that instead of struggling to register a new party, opposition leaders should adopt the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Citing its legacy, public sentiment, and existing structure, El-Rufai said, “It’s our best bet. It has history, integrity, and brand recall.”

This comes amidst reports that opposition heavyweights — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi — are working to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Atiku’s camp has yet to officially endorse the name.

As pressure mounts on the opposition to find a unifying front, El-Rufai’s remarks will likely reshape ongoing coalition talks and intensify public scrutiny on both INEC and the Tinubu-led administration.