El-Rufai Under Fire as Charly Boy Accuses Him of Betrayal and Hypocrisy

Veteran musician and social activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has publicly criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for what he described as political insincerity and duplicity surrounding the 2023 presidential election and current political realignments.

In a strongly worded statement posted on his official Facebook page, Charly Boy accused El-Rufai of contributing to the defeat of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general elections. The activist’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of El-Rufai’s recent political shift from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he is reportedly aligning with opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

El-Rufai, who had earlier issued a public apology for his role in supporting the APC during the 2023 polls, has stirred controversy by now aligning himself with some of the very political actors he previously opposed—raising questions about the sincerity of his newfound alliances.

Commenting on the development, Charly Boy expressed skepticism about the former governor’s intentions, characterizing him as a political opportunist. He said El-Rufai only began criticizing the system he once supported after being sidelined by those in power.

Referring to El-Rufai’s apology and political pivot, Charly Boy wrote: “He regretted supporting the rigging of the 2023 presidential election to favour Tinubu because he was in APC then. We are all familiar with the Mallam called El-Rufai who talks from both sides of his mouth. Now that he’s been sidelined, e don dey expose dia corruption. Abegi go sidon for duty.”

The post has sparked widespread debate online, further fueling tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 general elections.