Onanuga slams El-Rufai, says he suffers ‘small man syndrome’, psychological issues

By Kunle Sanni –

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has fired back at former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as someone plagued by psychological issues and what he termed “small man syndrome.”

Onanuga’s response followed comments by El-Rufai during an interview on Arise Television, where the former governor claimed that President Tinubu would require a “miracle” to secure re-election in 2027. El-Rufai cited an alleged poll conducted by his team indicating a 91% disapproval rating for Tinubu in parts of the North and Southeast, and 78% in Lagos.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Onanuga invoked a passage from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s memoir My Watch, to criticise El-Rufai’s personality and conduct. He echoed Obasanjo’s description of El-Rufai as someone suffering from an inferiority complex tied to “small man syndrome.”

“Nasir’s penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological,” Onanuga wrote, quoting Obasanjo. “He suffers from psychological and upbringing problems. His need to constantly elevate himself—giving the impression of having more ‘height’ than he does—is a reflection of deep personal insecurity.”

Onanuga further amplified Obasanjo’s previous claims about El-Rufai’s alleged character flaws, including accusations of disloyalty, dishonesty, and betrayal, even towards close family members.

“He lied brazenly, even to Obasanjo himself, and was known to have damaged the reputation of his uncle and half-brother,” Onanuga added.

“This is not a man driven by principle, but one obsessed with self-promotion.”