Former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has issued a stern warning, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of veering towards authoritarianism and centralizing power, a move he deems a "disgrace to democratic ideals." El-Rufai made these remarks during a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following a recent attack on El-Rufai by "suspected APC-sponsored thugs" at an African Democratic Congress (ADC) inauguration in Kaduna State.

El-Rufai drew a stark comparison between President Tinubu’s governance style and that of Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya, suggesting that if Nigerians do not unite to unseat the current administration through the ballot box by 2027, Tinubu might attempt to perpetuate himself in power. He emphasized that the current government’s actions contradict the purported commitment to democracy and true federalism often claimed by figures associated with its inception, like the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) era.

Highlighting what he perceives as a significant threat, El-Rufai stated, "This government (Tinubu’s administration) is trying to centralise everything instead of devolving power to the lower levels." He further warned, "The total of this is that we are facing an evil of such a large proportion in the history of this country that if we don’t come together and end this Tinubu administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya. All the signs are there, this is how Paul Biya started.”

During the visit, El-Rufai lauded Atiku Abubakar’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggles, recalling a period under Atiku and former President Olusegun Obasanjo where political dissent was tolerated. He contrasted this with the present, claiming the current civilian government is "worse than any military regime we’ve ever had" in its alleged harassment of those with differing political views. El-Rufai urged Nigerians to rally behind Atiku’s leadership and experience to unite the opposition and ensure the All Progressives Congress (APC) is voted out.

Responding to El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar commended the former governor’s courage. He reiterated the importance of opposition leaders remaining steadfast in their resolve to check the Tinubu administration and ultimately remove it from power through legitimate electoral processes. Atiku concurred with El-Rufai’s call for unity, stressing the need for collective action to prevent further perceived democratic backsliding and to secure victory at the polls in 2027.