Farouk Aliyu, the former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and founding member of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), has criticized Malam Nasir El-Rufai, labeling him an opportunist whose loyalty to political causes is based on personal gain.
El-Rufai, who was a key supporter of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, has recently shifted his stance, opposing Tinubu’s administration and calling the president “the worst Nigerians have ever experienced.” Following this, the former Governor of Kaduna State left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he now advocates for a coalition of opposition parties to challenge Tinubu’s government in the 2027 elections.
Many Nigerians believe El-Rufai’s opposition to Tinubu stems from not receiving the promised ministerial appointment. Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, Farouk accused El-Rufai of hypocrisy, asserting that if he had been appointed a minister, he would likely still be supporting Tinubu and attacking other politicians.
“I want members of the elite to know that it is about us, the elite. When the elite loses out, they start screaming because if Nasir had been made a minister, today he would have been at the forefront of insulting people,” Farouk stated. “But he lost out, and he cannot see it as an act of God.”
Farouk continued, criticizing El-Rufai for shifting his allegiance after benefiting from the same party that made him governor for eight years. He argued that El-Rufai’s criticisms of Tinubu and northern political leaders serve only to sow division and serve his own interests.
“The same party that made you a governor for eight years, all of a sudden because you’re out of governance, you start insulting people, bringing divisiveness into this country,” Farouk added. He also called out the hypocrisy in El-Rufai’s stance, accusing him of being driven by personal gain rather than a genuine desire to serve the public.
Farouk further emphasized his consistent support for former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite not receiving a political appointment during his time in office. He said he remained loyal to Buhari throughout his presidency, contrasting his own behavior with that of El-Rufai, whom he accused of being driven solely by selfish interests.
In conclusion, Farouk described El-Rufai as a hypocrite and opportunist, suggesting that his opposition to the APC and Tinubu’s government is motivated by personal grievances rather than a commitment to the Nigerian people.
