According to an interview on TVC News on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 5.08, Hon. Oghene Emma Egah, a prominent Nigerian lawmaker, has launched a scathing critique of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of tribalism and religious bias in his political career.
Egah’s remarks have reignited discussions about inclusivity and leadership in Nigeria’s diverse political landscape, particularly as El-Rufai is speculated to harbor presidential ambitions.
According to Egah, El-Rufai’s alleged advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim ticket during political campaigns reflects a deep-seated religious bias.
Egah argued that while President Bola Tinubu may have strategically adopted a similar ticket to secure electoral victory, El-Rufai’s motivations were rooted in religious exclusivity rather than political pragmatism.
This accusation stems from El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State, where Christians, who make up nearly 40 percent of the population, were allegedly sidelined in key political appointments.
Egah highlighted that during El-Rufai’s governorship, Christians were notably absent from critical positions such as deputy governor or speaker of the state house of assembly.
This exclusion, Egah claimed, demonstrates a lack of commitment to representing Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic fabric.
In his words, “This is a tribalistic man (Nasir El-Rufai) who says ‘oh it must be a Muslim-Muslim ticket.’ Tinubu did it because he wanted to at-least use it to win election. But El-Rufai’s case was religious, a man who was governor of a state where there are almost 40 percent Christians, he didn’t even give them deputy, speaker of the house, he didn’t give to them also. And he says he wants to become president of the country, and guide it. El-Rufai politically is a failure.”
