The Joint Action Movement of Nigeria (JAMN) has strongly criticized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of political opportunism and a lack of credibility in public affairs.
In a statement signed by JAMN Chairman, Lawal Sani Ningi, and Secretary, Deborah Kantiok, the group dismissed El-Rufai as unfit for any statesmanlike role, alleging that his recent political interventions are driven by self-interest and inflammatory rhetoric rather than national interest.
“This intervention serves as a stark reminder of El-Rufai’s unfitness for any position that demands statesmanship, credibility, or sound judgment. His unsolicited comments, marked by derogatory language and a blatant disregard for factual integrity, reveal a man more concerned with self-aggrandizement and political maneuvering than with fostering constructive dialogue or pursuing the truth,” the statement read.
The group’s statement comes amid controversy surrounding allegations made by political activist Hajiya Najatu Mohammed, who claimed that National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, had once vowed to block the political ambitions of prominent figures such as Bola Tinubu, George Akume, and Orji Kalu, citing corruption concerns.
Ribadu has since denied the claims, challenging Najatu Mohammed to provide concrete evidence and warning of legal consequences for spreading unverified allegations.
JAMN accused El-Rufai of inserting himself into the dispute for personal gain rather than contributing meaningfully to the debate.
“In a troubling turn of events, Nasir El-Rufai has chosen to enter this debate, ostensibly in support of Najatu’s claims. His actions, however, do not address the substance of the allegations or the urgent call for evidence. Instead, he has resorted to personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric,” the statement said.
The group also criticized El-Rufai for relying on outdated newspaper clippings to support Mohammed’s claims, arguing that such materials fail to provide concrete evidence linking Ribadu to the allegations.
“These clippings do not substantiate the claim that Ribadu specifically labelled the individuals mentioned as the most corrupt governors in Nigeria. This is emblematic of a political figure prioritizing personal vendettas over objective analysis and responsible public discourse,” JAMN stated.
JAMN further suggested that El-Rufai’s involvement in the controversy might be an attempt to distract from his own legal troubles, citing reports of financial irregularities during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
“His public support for Najatu Mohammed appears strategically timed, potentially serving as a distraction from his own legal challenges. By aligning himself with a controversial claim, El-Rufai risks further eroding his credibility and prioritizing political expediency over truth and accountability,” the statement added.
The group also questioned El-Rufai’s political track record, accusing him of betrayal, ethical inconsistencies, and a lack of accountability.
“The embarrassment of El-Rufai seeking a ministerial appointment, only to have his candidacy withdrawn amid ethical concerns, underscores his refusal to accept accountability for his questionable record. Instead of reflecting on his past actions, he has chosen a path of confrontation and unsubstantiated claims against the very administration that deemed him unfit for public service,” the group stated.
JAMN urged Nigerians to disregard El-Rufai’s statements, describing them as a desperate attempt to regain political relevance.
“The Joint Action Movement of Nigeria urges the public to critically assess El-Rufai’s pronouncements, viewing them not as insightful analysis but as the desperate cries of a discredited figure clinging to irrelevance. We call upon the citizens of Nigeria to focus on substantive issues and engage in discourse that is grounded in truth and accountability, unburdened by the noise of self-serving rhetoric,” the statement concluded.