Key Points

• Nwajiuba says Tinubu’s government runs like a cartel, not a proper government

• He blames poor leadership and bad decisions, not stealing

• He declares interest in the 2027 presidency under the ADC platform

Former Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying it is running the country like a cartel, not a government.

Nwajiuba spoke on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of poor leadership and using power to control national resources.

He questioned the government’s spending choices after removing fuel subsidy.

“Who removes subsidy today and the next morning takes a loan to buy a yacht, renovate a vice president’s house nobody lives in, and travel abroad? This is not government. This is cartel behaviour,” he said.

Focus On Leadership Failure, Not Theft

Nwajiuba explained that his comments were not about stealing money. He said the real problem is bad leadership.

“I’m not talking about stealing. I’m talking about clear incompetence,” he said. According to him, the country is being badly managed after major policy decisions.

The former minister also said he plans to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress.

He said he joined the race because the party is now ready.

“We are already in 2026. The ADC is ready. The coalition has joined the party, and the structure is set,” he said.

Nwajiuba said the party plans to build strong grassroots support and attract Nigerians who are unhappy with the current government.

“This is the time to tell our supporters and those who want change to come with their full teams,” he said.

Response To Claims Of Old Political Faces

Responding to claims that the opposition is filled with old faces, Nwajiuba said the ADC wants a mix of experience, education and fresh energy.

He dismissed the idea of powerful godfathers in the party but confirmed that known politicians like Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai are involved.

“I don’t want to fight for space,” he said. “I want more substance and more young people. The future belongs to us.”

Nwajiuba added that his ambition is about leadership, not activism.

“I’m not an activist. I’m a politician. Politics is about running a government and making life better for people,” he said.