Nigeria in Deep Trouble — Urban Bandits Have Taken Over Leadership – El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has raised alarm over Nigeria’s leadership crisis, declaring that the country is in its worst state since 1914 due to the rise of what he calls “urban bandits” in positions of power.

El-Rufai made the statement on Saturday in Abuja during a public lecture marking the 60th birthday of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. The lecture was themed: “Weaponisation of Poverty as a Means of Underdevelopment: A Case Study of Nigeria.”

According to the former FCT Minister, Nigeria’s recurring challenges stem from a consistent pattern of electing unqualified and incompetent leaders.

“Nigeria is in its biggest trouble since 1914, and that is why we are working together to build a coalition to take the country back on track. Right now, Nigeria is off track,” El-Rufai said.

He added that the country’s problems are not limited to the armed bandits in the forests, but to corrupt and self-serving leaders in the cities.

“We have allowed bandits — not the ones in the bushes — but urban bandits to take over leadership,” he warned.

El-Rufai criticized what he described as a growing trend of power-hungry individuals who lack the vision or competence to govern effectively.

“Most of them don’t really know what to do. They just know how to grab power but have no idea how to use it for the good of the people.”

Calling for active civic participation, El-Rufai urged Nigerians to vote for leaders with proven competence, capacity, and commitment to national development.

“We must rise and elect leaders who can truly move Nigeria forward.”