BREAKING: Mallam El Rufai, we have bigger fish to fry

Recently, Nigeria’s ‘politics Twitter’ has been overrun by the antics of Mallam Nasir El Rufai—a former governor whose high-octane tweets and outlandish claims have more in common with a political sideshow than with constructive discourse....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>

While El Rufai has taken to the social media platform to criticize the current administration, issue warnings of alleged arrest plots reminiscent of the ordeals suffered by former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, and engage in a petty spat with Uba Sanni’s supporters over past political grievances, one can’t help but wonder: Why, in a nation grappling with systemic issues, are we entertained by this circus?

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It is painfully obvious that some political stakeholders, especially some in the ruling party are getting busy planning for the next election. Their rallying cry—to “get our house in order” and to stave off opposition—barely conceals a desperate bid to secure their positions in power.

In this self-serving manoeuvring, El Rufai’s social media theatrics stand out as an especially ill-timed distraction. Yes, he is an intelligent man, and many will remember his tenure as FCT Minister more favourably than his time as governor of Kaduna State.

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But when his tweets devolve into a retelling of old grievances, alleged arrest plots, and self-aggrandizing proclamations of defiance against a government he deems unworthy (some have speculated he is still hurting from missing out on a ministerial appointment), it becomes abundantly clear that his antics are less about the welfare of Nigerians and more about winning the fleeting sympathy of potential voters.

At this critical juncture, Nigeria has far more pressing issues to contend with. Our nation is reeling under the crushing weight of economic instability. The buying power of the average Nigerian is plummeting as the continues to flounder in a turbulent market.

Meanwhile, the cost of living is skyrocketing: Telcos are hiking their prices by 50%, internet access—a vital resource for life in 2025—is under threat, and power supply remains unreliable and increasingly expensive.

In this climate of economic uncertainty, the public’s attention should be squarely fixed on policies that address these urgent needs, not on the self-serving drama unfolding on social media.

Moreover, our country is beset by severe security challenges. Nigerians in many states live in fear as banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes continue unabated. The sense of insecurity permeates everyday life, yet our national conversation is sidetracked by El Rufai’s claims of government plots and his personal vendettas.

Meanwhile, our healthcare system teeters on the brink, with rising costs—compounded, some say, by external political antics—that threaten to leave millions of citizens without proper care.

El Rufai’s retweets of content creators and his penchant for provocative, unsubstantiated allegations might grab headlines and generate social media buzz. But at what cost? His actions do little more than serve his political ambitions, creating a smokescreen that diverts public attention from the deeper, structural problems that afflict our society.

It is a disheartening spectacle when our ‘Accidental Public Servant’ a figure who once commanded respect for his administrative acumen now resorts to Twitter theatrics to remain relevant.

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This is a time for accountability and focused action.

The government should be held by the neck to address the real crises—the unstable economy, faltering infrastructure, deteriorating security, and an overburdened healthcare system. Our collective energy should be mobilized to demand solutions, not to indulge in the political drama of a former governor who appears more interested in scoring social media points than in contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.

In a nation where every day brings a new set of challenges—be it economic, security, or health-related—El Rufai’s antics are not merely a harmless distraction; they are a dangerous diversion. Nigerians deserve leaders who elevate public debate with substantive policy proposals and tangible actions, not those who trade in political theatrics to win fleeting favour.

While El Rufai continues his self-styled performance on Twitter, the real battle for Nigeria’s future is being fought on far more consequential fronts. And it’s a fight that demands our undivided attention and collective action—not the spectacle of political grandstanding.