By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
Coalition of Gbagyi Nationality in Kaduna State has taken a swipe at former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of launching unwarranted attacks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to personal political setbacks.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, the coalition’s convener, Mr. Benjamin Chayinta George, said El-Rufai lacks the moral authority to criticise the current administration, having allegedly marginalised indigenous communities and governed with impunity during his time in office.
George said the former governor has remained aggrieved over his inability to secure a ministerial position under the Tinubu administration and has since resorted to veiled political offensives masked as public commentary.
“Since Malam Nasir El-Rufai was denied a ministerial appointment, he has become inconsolable. His consistent attacks on President Tinubu’s government are driven by personal disappointment rather than genuine concern for national interest,” George stated.
He described El-Rufai’s past leadership as repressive and anti-people, recalling how, under his administration, homes were demolished, market stalls destroyed, and communities, particularly those in Southern Kaduna, were systematically excluded from development and appointments.
“This was a man who showed no empathy when our people’s homes were destroyed. He treated the Gbagyi nation and other minority groups in Southern Kaduna with disdain,” George alleged.
He also faulted the former governor for what he described as a weak response to insecurity and human rights violations in the state, including clampdowns on journalists and civil society actors.
George warned of an alleged plot by El-Rufai to form a political alliance aimed at unseating President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, calling it a “vendetta-driven mission doomed to fail.”
“The same politicians he once ridiculed and alienated are now the ones he’s trying to align with to pursue his selfish ambition. Nigerians must be wary of such political inconsistency and deceitful tactics,” the statement said.
He reaffirmed the coalition’s support for President Tinubu and Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, noting that both leaders are currently addressing structural and governance deficits inherited from previous administrations.
“The Gbagyi people and the Middle Belt region will not support any coalition spearheaded by El-Rufai or his allies. We stand with President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in their efforts to reposition the country and Kaduna State,” George declared.
The coalition urged Nigerians to disregard what it termed “El-Rufai’s utopian postulations and self-serving agenda,” expressing optimism that the Tinubu-led administration will succeed despite distractions from political detractors.
The Coalition of Gbagyi Nationality comprises prominent stakeholders, youth leaders, and traditional representatives from Gbagyi communities across Kaduna State.