If El-Rufai Feels Cheated, What Of The Rest Of Us? (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

In a nation where political betrayals, dashed expectations, and unfulfilled promises are commonplace, recent reports that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, feels cheated by the current administration evoke both curiosity and irony. If a man who has long been part of Nigeria’s power elite can claim he has been shortchanged, then what should the average Nigerian, who has endured years of economic hardship, insecurity, and governmental negligence say?

El-Rufai has been a central figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for decades. From his tenure as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under former President Olusegun Obasanjo to his two-term rule as governor of Kaduna State, he has been known for his controversial and often divisive policies. A key ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 elections, El-Rufai was expected to play a significant role in Tinubu’s government. However, when his name was missing from the final ministerial list after being nominated, speculation arose that he had fallen out of favor.

For someone like El-Rufai, who has been at the heart of Nigeria’s political dealings, the feeling of betrayal is, at best, ironic. Many ordinary Nigerians, who have no political connections or state-backed privileges, have felt cheated by successive governments. They have seen promises of economic prosperity turn to dust, watched infrastructure decay, and suffered the consequences of corruption and policy failures. If El-Rufai, who has wielded immense influence, can complain, then what becomes of millions of Nigerians who have no access to power?

While El-Rufai’s grievances may be about personal political interests, the grievances of the Nigerian people run far deeper. They are not about lost ministerial appointments or denied political ambitions; they are about survival in a system that has repeatedly failed them.

Under the current administration, inflation has skyrocketed, the naira has plummeted, and the cost of living has become unbearable. With petrol subsidies removed and food prices soaring, many Nigerians struggle to afford basic necessities. A bag of rice that sold for about ₦30,000 a year ago now costs over ₦60,000 in some parts of the country. Transport fares have doubled, making commuting a nightmare for workers. If El-Rufai is complaining about being sidelined, what should the Nigerian worker earning a stagnant minimum wage say?

The devaluation of the naira has further exacerbated the situation, making imported goods even more expensive. Businesses that rely on foreign exchange are struggling, and many have been forced to shut down. The manufacturing sector has taken a significant hit, leading to increased unemployment and hardship. Families that once lived modestly are now grappling with the stark reality of hunger and deprivation.

Nigeria’s security situation remains dire, with kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism continuing unabated. In Kaduna, where El-Rufai governed for eight years, bandits have turned several communities into war zones. Many residents have been displaced, their homes burned, and their families torn apart. Farmers no longer feel safe working on their land, leading to reduced food production.

One might ask: Did El-Rufai’s administration effectively address these security challenges? If not, should he not reflect on his own legacy before lamenting his exclusion from federal power?

Despite government claims of tackling insecurity, the reality on the ground is grim. Reports of mass abductions, killings, and violent attacks on communities surface daily. The police and military remain underfunded and ill-equipped, often unable to respond effectively to threats. The result is a nation where citizens feel abandoned and vulnerable, where the government’s primary duty, protection of lives and property, remains unfulfilled.

Nigeria’s youth constitute a significant portion of the population, yet they face a bleak future. Job opportunities are scarce, and many university graduates remain unemployed years after completing their studies. While politicians like El-Rufai have enjoyed government appointments and lucrative contracts, the average Nigerian youth has had to hustle endlessly, with little hope of economic mobility.

Instead of worrying about whether one former governor is feeling sidelined, should we not focus on why Nigeria’s youth continue to leave the country in droves, seeking greener pastures abroad? The phenomenon, known as the ‘japa’ wave, reflects the loss of hope among young Nigerians who no longer believe in the promises made by their leaders.

This brain drain is not only affecting the country’s future but also draining vital human resources that could contribute to national development. Many skilled professionals, including doctors, engineers, and IT specialists, are leaving for countries where they feel their talents will be better appreciated. Meanwhile, political leaders continue to enjoy opulent lifestyles, disconnected from the struggles of everyday citizens.

If history has taught us anything, it is that Nigerian politics operates on a cycle of betrayal and realignment. Today’s allies become tomorrow’s enemies. Those who were once in the corridors of power are later shut out, and their cries of injustice become loud.

El-Rufai himself has been accused of political backstabbing in the past. Many remember how he turned against his former allies and how he aggressively pursued policies that marginalized certain groups while favoring others. During his tenure as Kaduna governor, his handling of religious and ethnic tensions in the state drew criticism, with many accusing him of favoritism and authoritarianism.

Is it not poetic justice that someone who once wielded so much influence is now lamenting being cast aside? If there is anything to learn from his situation, it is that Nigerian politicians only complain about injustice when they are no longer benefiting from the system. The masses, however, have never benefited, and their cries for justice have long been ignored.

Now the real question: “Who will speak for the People?” Instead of sympathizing with El-Rufai’s predicament, Nigerians should be asking more pressing questions: “Who will speak for the ordinary citizens who have been perpetually shortchanged?” “Who will address the widespread poverty that continues to ravage the land?” “Who will take responsibility for the countless policy failures that have left the country in shambles?”

“If El-Rufai, who has been at the center of power, feels betrayed, what should Nigerians who have suffered from poor governance for decades feel?” If politicians like him are crying foul, then the common man should be wailing.

In fact, El-Rufai’s grievances, whether genuine or politically motivated, are insignificant compared to the suffering of millions of Nigerians.  His exclusion from federal power does not change the fact that many Nigerians cannot afford a decent meal, secure a stable job, or travel safely within their own country. If a former governor and minister can claim he has been shortchanged, then the Nigerian people, who have endured so much, must wonder: “When will justice and fairness be extended to them?”

As the political elite continue to jostle for positions and power, ordinary Nigerians must not be distracted. The real battle is not about who gets a ministerial appointment; it is about ensuring that governance finally works for the people. Until that happens, the question remains: “If El-Rufai feels cheated, what of the rest of us?”