Gbagyi Coalition Slams El-Rufai Over Attacks on Tinubu, Accuses Ex-Governor of Hypocrisy and Divisiveness

Musa Maye

Kaduna,

The Coalition of Gbagyi Nationality in Kaduna State has issued a scathing rebuke of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of launching “unwarranted verbal attacks” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu out of bitterness over his failed ministerial nomination.

At a press conference held in Kaduna on Monday, the coalition condemned El-Rufai’s recent public criticisms of the Tinubu administration, labeling them as “self-serving” and “a serious threat to national unity and democratic stability.”

“Since Mallam El-Rufai lost the opportunity to be appointed a Minister in President Tinubu’s administration, he has remained inconsolable and has resorted to making divisive and antagonistic statements,” the group declared. “His actions are not only self-serving but pose a serious threat to national unity.”

The Gbagyi coalition also used the platform to recount what they described as the harsh and discriminatory policies suffered under El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. According to the group, Southern Kaduna communities, including Gbagyi people, endured demolition of homes, exclusion from governance, and neglect of infrastructure.

“El-Rufai’s time in office was marked by destruction of properties, marginalization, and the exclusion of Southern Kaduna communities and Christians from governance,” the coalition said. “Markets were demolished without alternatives, roads were abandoned, and banditry was poorly addressed.”

The group questioned the moral authority of El-Rufai to criticize President Tinubu, arguing that his motives were rooted not in principle, but in political vendetta.

“Let us ask ourselves: If he had been appointed a Minister, would he be attacking President Tinubu today? The answer is a resounding NO,” the statement emphasized.

They also dismissed what they described as El-Rufai’s emerging political coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu’s leadership in 2027, warning Nigerians not to be deceived by his “crusade of bitterness.”

“It is laughable that he now seeks to rally those he previously scorned, in a bid to unseat President Tinubu… Let it be known: El-Rufai has no moral standing to criticize the President.”

The Gbagyi coalition ended the briefing with a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, urging Nigerians to support his administration in navigating the economic and security challenges facing the country.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for tackling the deep-rooted challenges inherited from past administrations. The Gbagyi people say: NEVER AGAIN,” the group concluded.