By Muhammad Mamman
A prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer has publicly challenged former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, reminding him of his leading role in the campaign that brought the president to power.
Chidi Odinkalu, a former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, said El-Rufai must accept responsibility for the political direction of the current government, arguing that he was instrumental in securing Tinubu’s electoral success in 2023.
In a strongly worded reaction shared on social media, Odinkalu accused the former governor of attempting to disassociate himself from the outcomes of an administration he actively helped install. “You led Tinubu’s campaign,” Odinkalu said, suggesting that El-Rufai cannot now claim detachment from the policies and decisions of the government.
El-Rufai, a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had recently voiced concerns about the state of governance and internal party dynamics, remarks that have fuelled speculation about growing cracks within the party.
Political accountability debate
Odinkalu’s comments have intensified an ongoing debate about political accountability within the APC. Analysts say the exchange highlights deepening tensions among influential party figures amid mounting economic challenges in Nigeria.
During the 2023 election cycle, El-Rufai was widely regarded as one of the chief strategists behind Tinubu’s presidential bid. His role in mobilising northern political support proved critical in consolidating votes for the APC candidate.
Observers note that public disagreements among senior party members may signal broader dissatisfaction within the ruling coalition as the government grapples with inflation, currency volatility and security concerns.
Reactions and implications
While El-Rufai has yet to formally respond to Odinkalu’s latest remarks, political commentators say the exchange reflects a struggle over narrative and responsibility within the governing party.
The controversy was first reported by Daily Post Nigeria, which detailed Odinkalu’s sharp criticism and the wider political context surrounding the comments.
For many Nigerians, the episode underscores a larger question: to what extent should political actors who engineer electoral victories also bear responsibility for the performance of the administrations they help to install?
As divisions surface within the APC, attention is likely to remain fixed on whether internal dissent will translate into policy shifts — or deeper fractures — within Nigeria’s ruling political establishment.
