Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai accuses Akpabio of being “Tinubu’s lapdog” and calls for urgent reforms in the Electoral Act ahead of 2027 elections
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a scathing attack on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing him as “a scumbag by every definition” and accusing him of being “Tinubu’s lapdog” over the handling of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Speaking on Trust TV, El-Rufai claimed that the Senate President is obstructing the inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results — a measure already approved by the House of Representatives — which he insists is critical to ensuring transparent and credible elections.
El-Rufai warned that the fight over the bill is far from over and called on senators opposed to Akpabio’s approach to unite and resist any amendments that could undermine election integrity. The former governor emphasized that the focus should be on strengthening the electoral process, not on political loyalty to the president.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill has become one of the most debated pieces of legislation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Provisions for electronic transmission of results from polling units have drawn support from civil society groups and opposition figures, who argue that removing or weakening the clause could increase electoral fraud.
Akpabio and the Senate leadership have defended their approach, noting that the bill is still under review and will undergo reconciliation with the House of Representatives through a conference committee. However, El-Rufai and critics remain adamant that delays or omissions in implementing electronic result transmission could compromise the credibility of future elections.
The controversy has further fueled public demonstrations, including protests by political movements demanding full electoral reforms, highlighting the growing tension between lawmakers and reform advocates in Abuja.
Read also Senate Backs Death Penalty for Kidnappers, Informants, and Sponsors
