Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s deepening poverty levels, urging urgent reforms and true federalism to address the crisis.

Speaking at an event in Owerri, Imo State, themed “Moving Forward Together”, El-Rufai lamented that more Nigerians live in poverty today than the country’s entire population at independence in 1960.

“It is deeply embarrassing that, judging from the population estimate in 1960, there are now more poor Nigerians than there were Nigerians at independence,” he said. “China has beaten mass poverty, India is on the path to ending it, and Nigeria can do the same if poverty eradication is made a governance priority.”

He argued that poverty reduction should not be left to new agencies or bloated bureaucracies, but tackled through innovative policies that reward productivity, discourage rent-seeking, and promote fairness.

On Elections and Democracy

El-Rufai also expressed worry over declining voter turnout, noting that participation has dropped from over 60% in 2003 to under 30% in 2023. He called for electoral reforms, including full adoption of electronic voting and real-time transmission of results by 2027, to rebuild citizens’ trust in democracy.

He further stressed that Nigeria’s survival depends on practicing true federalism, with more powers and resources devolved to the states, particularly in sectors like policing, electricity, and railways.

“The attempt to run Nigeria as a unitary polity runs contrary to its founding constitutional structure and denies its rich diversity,” he warned.

Political Tensions in Owerri

El-Rufai’s visit to Owerri was not without drama, as thugs reportedly attempted to disrupt a church event where he was present. The Imo State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the act, urging the government to prosecute the perpetrators. Clergy at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral described the violence as a “slap on Igbos,” warning youths against being used for political thuggery.

APC Responds to Opposition

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed El-Rufai and other opposition figures—including Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi—as leaders driven by “grudge politics.”

APC spokesperson Felix Morka accused them of failing to provide purposeful leadership or build viable opposition parties, instead resorting to blame games and propaganda.

“Opposition politics is not about peddling lies or weaponising grudges. These leaders have held some of the highest offices in Nigeria but failed to strengthen their parties or present credible policy alternatives,” Morka said.

He added that while opposition parties remain divided, the APC under President Bola Tinubu is focused on rebuilding neglected economic foundations and driving sustainable progress.