Nigeria is in trouble, says El-Rufai, accusing urban bandits of taking over the government. His controversial speech has reignited the national debate. Read more!
In what could be described as one of the boldest political outbursts in recent times, former Kaduna State Governor and ex-FCT Minister, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that Nigeria is in its worst state since its creation in 1914, blaming the nation’s woes on the rise of what he termed “urban bandits” who have hijacked political leadership across the country.
El-Rufai made the explosive remarks on Saturday, May 25, 2025, in Abuja, during a public lecture marking the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. The lecture, themed “Weaponisation of Poverty as a Means of Underdevelopment: A Case Study of Nigeria”, provided a high-profile platform for El-Rufai to vent his frustrations with the current trajectory of Nigerian governance.
In his goodwill message, El-Rufai minced no words:
“Nigeria is in its biggest trouble since 1914… We are working and conspiring to build a coalition to take Nigeria back on track because it is off track.”
Taking a direct swipe at the political class, the former governor added:
“It has turned to this level because we have allowed bandits—not the ones in the bushes—but urban bandits, to take over leadership.”
According to El-Rufai, the real tragedy of Nigeria is that those entrusted with leadership lack the competence, capacity, and genuine commitment to governance. He accused them of being driven purely by a thirst for power rather than a desire to build the nation.
“We keep electing the worst of us—people who know how to grab power, but have no clue what to do with it. That’s why Nigeria is stuck.”
El-Rufai’s remarks, while clearly controversial, reflect growing national frustration over worsening insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship. His comparison of corrupt political elites to “urban bandits” is a damning indictment of a system many believe has long failed its citizens.
He called on Nigerians to stop the cycle of mediocrity and begin electing leaders with “competence, capability, capacity, and commitment” to drive change.
El-Rufai’s statements come at a time when many Nigerians are still reeling from the effects of inflation, insecurity, and poor governance. His warning that the country is facing its “biggest trouble since 1914” underscores a deepening crisis that has left many citizens disillusioned.
While some political observers see his comments as a prelude to a new political movement, others believe El-Rufai is positioning himself as a future power broker ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One thing is clear — El-Rufai’s fiery speech has reignited national debate on Nigeria’s leadership crisis, the consequences of systemic corruption, and the urgent need for transformational leadership.
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