Former Kaduna State Governor and Social Democratic Party (SDP) chieftain, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has sparked conversation on social media after sharing a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, warning corrupt politicians about the potential consequences of public anger and failed governance.

 

Referencing recent political uprisings in countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Madagascar, El-Rufai reposted a report that painted a vivid picture of corrupt leaders fleeing angry citizens, jumping over compound walls and clinging to helicopters in desperate attempts to escape.

 

“All of us were shaken and terrified recently when we saw how our colleagues in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Madagascar were jumping over walls and being rescued by clutching onto helicopter ropes to escape the seething rage of the masses who invaded their homes and offices,” the post read.

 

The message, which El-Rufai endorsed by sharing, appears to serve as a cautionary tale amid Nigeria’s current political climate, especially following a wave of defections by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) — a trend some critics have described as driven by self-preservation rather than ideology.

El-Rufai’s post accompanies growing public suspicion that some politicians are defecting to the APC in order to avoid prosecution or political scrutiny, raising fresh concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

 

Though he did not directly mention names or recent defectors, El-Rufai’s timing and choice of words have been interpreted by political observers as a veiled criticism of opportunistic cross-party movements.

The post has since garnered widespread attention online, with many Nigerians interpreting it as a warning to the political elite about the consequences of ignoring public grievances, especially in a time of economic hardship, insecurity, and rising youth discontent.

The countries mentioned — Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Madagascar — have in recent years experienced mass uprisings and political crises, with widespread protests triggered by corruption, inflation, fuel shortages, and political instability. In some cases, these demonstrations have led to resignations, exile, or violent ousters of sitting leaders.

El-Rufai, once a prominent APC figure, has remained relatively quiet since leaving office in 2023 but has recently aligned himself with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), advocating for reform, good governance, and accountability.

 

His latest post may signal a more active return to public discourse and political critique, especially as preparations begin ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

As political realignments continue and scrutiny of leadership intensifies, El-Rufai’s remarks have added a fresh layer to the national conversation on accountability, power, and the will of the people.