“Akpabio Is Scumbag By Every Definition, Tinubu’s Lapdog” – Ex-Governor El-Rufai Blasts Senate President, Vows Showdown Over Electoral Bill
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has launched a blistering verbal attack on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, labeling him a “scumbag” and a “lapdog” for President Tinubu. Speaking on TrustTV this Wednesday, El-Rufai accused Akpabio of deliberately sabotaging efforts to institutionalize the electronic transmission of election results.
El-Rufai argued that the Senate President is acting solely in the interest of the executive rather than the Nigerian people. During the interview, he remarked, “And Akpabio is nothing but a Asiwaju lapdog. That’s what’s going on.” He predicted that lawmakers would eventually revolt to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The former minister expressed strong confidence that the National Assembly’s conference committee would restore the provisions for real-time result transmission. He stated, “So I am confident that the conference committee will recommend restoration,” noting that most senators are “gentlemen” who desire national progress.
Despite being cautioned by the host regarding his harsh language, El-Rufai refused to retract his comments, citing a long personal history with the Senate President. He insisted, “I do not consider him distinguished… And I think I’m qualified to call him a scumbag and he knows why.”
Addressing the possibility of a presidential veto on the electoral bill, El-Rufai suggested that the National Assembly has the power and the motive to override it. He noted, “When the National Assembly overrides Akpabio and includes this provision, the president may withhold assent, in which case it will come back to the National Assembly for them to exercise their two thirds override.”
El-Rufai emphasized that for lawmakers, supporting electronic transmission is a matter of “self-preservation” and necessary for the “survival of this democracy.” He argued that while the assembly has passed controversial bills in the past, the approaching 2027 elections have fundamentally changed the political stakes.
He concluded by warning that citizens are no longer in a mood for legislative games as the next electoral cycle begins. “Nigerians are watching and Nigerians are angry and Nigerians will punish them if they go the way that Akpabio and Tinubu want,” he cautioned.
