Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a scathing attack on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a “tragedy”, while escalating his feud with the Kaduna State Police Command by petitioning the Police Service Commission (PSC) over alleged misconduct by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu.

 

In a petition submitted on Monday, El-Rufai accused the Commissioner and several officers under his command of engaging in “unprofessional conduct, abuse of office, and serial violations” of the Police Act, 2020, since taking office on December 30, 2024.

 

The former governor’s petition adds a fresh layer to the ongoing standoff between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Kaduna police, which intensified last Thursday when security operatives sealed the party’s state secretariat and issued a summons for El-Rufai and six ADC leaders over alleged charges of “conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and disturbance of public peace.”

Rather than honouring the police invitation, El-Rufai opted to challenge the conduct of the police through formal channels. A statement released Monday by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said the ex-governor decided to notify the PSC after a prior complaint to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, failed to yield any corrective action.

“I am writing out of concern that the Nigeria Police, warts and all, is the only frontline law enforcement institution we have,” El-Rufai said in the statement.

He continued:

“The duty of all citizens is not only to support it at every level but also to ensure that the commission is provided opportunities to deliver on its regulatory powers to enforce discipline and promote sound and ethical conduct by all police officers at all times.”

 

El-Rufai alleged that certain officers in the Kaduna Command were “serving interests other than those conferred by law,” behavior he warned could severely undermine public trust in the institution.

The rift between the former governor and the state police has been building for weeks, especially following attacks on ADC members by suspected political thugs, which the party claims occurred with the tacit support or silence of the police.

 

El-Rufai’s petition, while not detailing specific incidents, is believed to stem from a string of police actions perceived to be targeting his political allies. Sources close to him say this includes harassment, politically motivated charges, and interference with party activities.

El-Rufai’s remarks went beyond the police, with the former governor publicly characterizing President Tinubu’s administration as a “tragedy.” Though he did not elaborate further in the statement, the comment underscores his growing dissatisfaction with the national leadership—particularly on issues of governance and security.

 

The statement marks one of El-Rufai’s most direct confrontations with the Tinubu government, which he once supported. Political observers say the rift could signal deeper divisions within the ruling class, especially as Nigeria faces escalating insecurity, economic hardship, and political realignments ahead of 2027.

As of press time, the Kaduna State Police Command had not publicly responded to the petition. Multiple calls and emails to DSP Mansir Hassan, the command’s spokesperson, went unanswered.

 

Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission is expected to review the petition in the coming days, although it remains unclear whether it will launch a formal probe or invite the parties involved.