Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, drawing comparisons with the leadership approach of former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition politicians.

In a video interview circulated online on Monday, El-Rufai said Buhari, despite his background as a former military ruler, did not deploy state institutions to harass or arrest political opponents after becoming a democratically elected president. He argued that Buhari governed with restraint and emphasised fairness across party lines.

According to him, the former president consistently reminded associates that his responsibility extended to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation. He added that during Buhari’s tenure, concerns were sometimes raised by political allies about how the government handled opposition figures, but Buhari maintained that democratic principles must be protected.

El-Rufai stated that Buhari believed strongly in preserving institutional integrity and avoiding actions that could create the impression that political power was being used for partisan advantage. He suggested that such an approach contributed to stability and public confidence at the time.

The remarks form part of ongoing political exchanges involving the former governor in recent weeks, as debates continue over governance, opposition space and democratic practice in the country. Analysts say the comparison reflects widening disagreements among political actors over the conduct of public institutions and the tone of Nigeria’s political environment.

There has been no official response from the presidency to the latest comments, but observers note that statements from prominent political figures are increasingly shaping public discourse ahead of future political alignments.