Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, describing it as lacking in competence and quality.
In a recent statement, El-Rufai said the current administration’s ministerial appointments are the weakest he has seen in recent Nigerian history. He emphasized that only a handful of the cabinet members can be considered qualified for the roles they occupy.
El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Olusegun Obasanjo, said the disparity in the calibre of ministers between the current administration and past governments is glaring. He lamented that despite Nigeria’s pressing challenges, the Tinubu administration has failed to appoint individuals with the necessary experience, intellect, and capacity to address the nation’s problems effectively.
He stated that Tinubu’s cabinet is not only the largest in Nigeria’s history but also among the least competent. According to El-Rufai, out of the more than 40 ministers currently serving under Tinubu, only about five meet the standard required to be considered serious, impactful leaders.
“Look at his cabinet—it’s a joke,” El-Rufai was quoted as saying. “It is the largest in Nigeria’s history, and maybe only five of them can be called real ministers.” He compared the current lineup to that of the early 2000s when he served in government, pointing to the inclusion then of renowned professionals such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili.
“In my time as a minister 20 years ago, we had individuals of the calibre of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Oby Ezekwesili. Who do you see in this cabinet that fits that profile? There is simply no quality,” El-Rufai said.
The remarks have sparked debate among political observers, with some agreeing with El-Rufai’s assessment and others defending the president’s choices. Supporters of the administration argue that Tinubu’s appointments reflect a deliberate effort to balance political, regional, and technocratic considerations, while critics believe political loyalty was prioritized over merit.
Tinubu’s presidency, which began in May 2023, has faced increasing scrutiny as economic and security issues continue to challenge his administration. Since taking office, Tinubu has implemented several reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and a controversial overhaul of the naira exchange rate regime. While these policies have been praised by some international observers, they have also led to rising inflation and public dissatisfaction within Nigeria.
El-Rufai’s comments are the latest in a series of criticisms leveled at the administration from within the political elite. As a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a key figure in the party’s rise to power, El-Rufai’s opinion carries significant weight. His remarks may signal growing dissatisfaction among party insiders about the direction of the government.
This is not the first time El-Rufai has voiced concern about governance standards in Nigeria. He has frequently spoken about the importance of competence and transparency in public administration. However, his direct challenge to Tinubu’s cabinet composition is among his most pointed critiques yet.
Observers are now watching to see if El-Rufai’s comments will lead to any changes within the federal cabinet or spark broader internal debates within the APC. The presidency has not officially responded to El-Rufai’s remarks at the time of reporting.
As public confidence in government performance continues to waver, El-Rufai’s criticism adds further pressure on the Tinubu administration to defend its ministerial choices and demonstrate that its team is capable of delivering on promises made during the 2023 election campaign.
