Nigeria’s broken politics terrain this week laid bare a nation at war with itself, resembled a battlefield, not just of ideologies, but of trust, stability, and identity.
A regretful Nasir El-Rufai launched a blistering critique of the Tinubu administration, calling for a united opposition under the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
Senator Ali Ndume, once loyal, is now issuing public warnings to the APC, threatening defection unless urgent governance reforms are undertaken.
As internal fractures deepen, security woes continue. In Kebbi, over 300 bandits stormed a police camp, stealing weapons and exposing the soft underbelly of Nigeria’s overstretched security system.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s economic standing took a new blow, ranked 12th poorest in the world by GDP per capita. The shock adds to growing public despair.
In Rivers State, peace finally returned after a year of chaos, with Wike and Governor Fubara pledging unity after President Tinubu’s intervention.
And finally, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje abruptly resigned, raising more questions about cohesion in the ruling party.
Together, these developments show a nation searching for political coherence while staggering under the weight of elite failure, economic decline, and institutional weakness.
1. El-Rufai Disowns Tinubu, Backs New Opposition Coalitio
El-Rufai expressed deep regret over his role in Tinubu’s election and revealed that a new opposition party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), has applied for registration. He accused Tinubu of sabotage, factionalising opposition parties, and presiding over a failing state.
Why it Matters:
This is more than political betrayal, it’s elite defection layered with insider knowledge. El-Rufai’s claim that the government is sabotaging opposition parties paints a dangerous picture: a democracy slowly eroding under the weight of authoritarian tactics. If the ADA gains traction, it could serve as a rallying point for disillusioned citizens. But Nigeria’s history is unkind to opposition unity, especially when driven by familiar faces.
2. 300 Bandits Attack Police Camp in Kebbi, Steal Rifles
Armed bandits attacked a police outpost in Kebbi, overwhelming officers, stealing eight AK-47 rifles, and burning down a patrol vehicle. Troops are now in pursuit.
Why it Matters:
The ease with which criminals overrun police camps underscores a failing security architecture. This isn’t just a rural crisis, it symbolises national vulnerability. With weapons now in the wrong hands and police morale further weakened, such incidents destabilise public trust and embolden other criminal actors. In a country battling terrorism, banditry, and secessionist unrest, this is another dangerous crack in the state’s armour.
3. Ndume to Tinubu: Fix Nigeria or I Leave APC
Senator Ali Ndume warned President Tinubu that failure to address Nigeria’s growing crises may force him to leave the APC. He also accused close presidential aides of misleading Tinubu.
Why it Matters:
Ndume’s threat is not idle talk. As a senior northern voice in the APC, his departure would signal that discontent is reaching dangerous levels. His remarks also reinforce a growing narrative: Tinubu is increasingly isolated, surrounded by a circle of gatekeepers who may be out of touch with national realities. If more northern leaders follow suit, the APC’s hold on its traditional strongholds could collapse.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Turbulent Week: Political Rifts, Bombs, and Broken Systems
4. Nigeria Ranked 12th Poorest Country by GDP Per Capita
Nigeria has been ranked 178th out of 189 countries by GDP per capita in 2025, according to the IMF. With a per capita income of $807, Nigeria trails even war-torn states.
Why it Matters:
For a resource-rich nation and continental giant, this is a brutal exposure of leadership failure. GDP per capita isn’t just a statistic, it reflects how little citizens benefit from national wealth. The disparity between economic potential and lived reality continues to fuel resentment, migration, and instability.
5. Ganduje Resigns as APC National Chairman
Abdulahi Ganduje resigned abruptly, citing health reasons, though insiders suggest internal party conflicts and allegations of financial misconduct prompted the exit.
Why it Matters:
Ganduje’s exit points to growing unrest within the APC’s ranks. With corruption allegations and internal court cases, his resignation could trigger a broader leadership shake-up. In a party already under fire from within and without, this resignation opens a vacuum at the top, one that may be filled with further conflict.
6. Wike, Fubara Reconcile After Presidential Mediation
After months of political conflict, Wike and Rivers Governor Fubara reached a truce following a peace meeting led by President Tinubu. Both pledged to work together.
Why it Matters:
The fragile peace in Rivers may be a relief to residents, but it also underscores how personal vendettas, not policy, dominate Nigerian politics. While reconciliation offers temporary stability, it reflects a troubling norm: that political survival often hinges on centralised intervention, not institutional strength.
Conclusion:
This week exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s power structure: a ruling party in disarray, a security system unable to protect itself, and a political class eating away at its legitimacy. From El-Rufai’s public repentance to Ndume’s conditional loyalty, the cracks within APC are no longer deniable. As new coalitions form, citizens must ask: are these new paths forward or just recycled elite alliances
Meanwhile, the economy continues to fail the people, and insecurity remains rampant. Tinubu’s leadership faces a decisive test. The longer Nigeria waits for coherence and compassion from its leaders, the deeper the slide into despair. The political storms ahead are not just about 2027, they are about the survival of Nigeria’s fragile democratic experiment.