ABUJA — In a stinging indictment of the current political order, former Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has characterized President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a “cartel” that has prioritized self-enrichment and elite consumption over the fundamental duties of governance.
Speaking on Thursday, January 22, 2026, during a national television appearance, the former minister argued that the country is currently witnessing a departure from democratic norms toward a system defined by “cartel behavior.” Nwajiuba, who served under the previous administration, asserted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has effectively abandoned the principles of public service in favor of consolidating power and resources among a small circle of political actors.
“Who removes subsidy today and the next morning takes a loan to buy a yacht, renovate a vice-presidential house that is not lived in, and travel abroad?” Nwajiuba queried, highlighting what he described as a jarring disconnect between the government’s calls for public sacrifice and its own lavish spending. He emphasized that his critique was not merely about corruption, but a “gross incompetence” that has left the nation’s budget performance struggling to reach even 30% of its targets.
The former minister contrasted the current fiscal situation with his tenure in the previous government, claiming that even amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, the administration managed a budget performance of at least 80%. He argued that the current leadership has failed to deliver on any measurable developmental indices since assuming office in 2023.
Strategic Shift to the ADC and 2027 Ambition
Beyond his critique of the incumbent, Nwajiuba utilized the platform to formally announce his presidential ambition for the 2027 general elections. He revealed that he has aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as the “vessel of choice” for a broad-based opposition coalition seeking to rescue the country from its current trajectory.
Nwajiuba disclosed that the ADC is currently undergoing a massive structural realignment, aiming to incorporate prominent figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai into a unified front. However, he stressed that the goal is not to promote “big-man politics,” but to establish a “collegiate system” of leadership where a team of competent professionals governs the nation collectively.
“This is not just about changing a president; it is about changing a system,” Nwajiuba stated. He added that the opposition is focused on mobilizing a younger generation of Nigerians who feel marginalized by the current administration’s policies.
As of Saturday, January 24, 2026, the Presidency has not issued a formal rebuttal to Nwajiuba’s specific allegations regarding the “cartel-like” nature of the administration’s fiscal decisions. However, political analysts suggest that Nwajiuba’s high-profile defection and sharp rhetoric signal the beginning of a volatile pre-election season as former allies of the APC increasingly distance themselves from the Tinubu government.
