B arely 24 hours after criticizing the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed speculation that he is planning to leave the ruling party.
El-Rufai, speaking at a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, described the state of governance and opposition in the country as a “national emergency.” He lamented the lack of internal democracy and functional party structures within the APC, stating, “I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.”
The former governor’s remarks sparked backlash from the APC and the Presidency, with party officials accusing him of disloyalty. The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, suggested that El-Rufai’s criticisms were motivated by his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. “If you were in government, would you still hold this position?” Bwala questioned.
APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim acknowledged El-Rufai’s right to his opinions but urged him to engage with the party leadership privately rather than criticizing the APC in public. “If there are concerns, he knows the proper channels to address them,” Ibrahim stated.
Despite his sharp criticisms, El-Rufai firmly denied reports that he is leaving the APC. Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of the two-day conference, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party. “I am a founder of the APC. How can I be on my way out?” he asked, insisting that his critiques were aimed at pushing for reform within the party.
The former governor also called on opposition parties to set aside differences and form a united front to strengthen democracy in Nigeria. He accused the government of deliberately destabilizing opposition parties, stating, “There seems to be a deliberate project to destroy opposition parties. This is dangerous.”
Reflecting on the APC’s original mission, El-Rufai lamented that the party had deviated from its core objectives of fighting corruption, rebuilding the economy, and enhancing security. He also called for higher educational standards for political candidates, arguing that the constitutional requirement of a secondary school certificate is insufficient.
Opposition parties have since rallied behind El-Rufai’s statements, agreeing that the APC has abandoned its campaign promises to Nigerians. The conference was organized by several pro-democracy organizations, including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, the Centre for Democracy and Development, and the National Peace Committee.
As debates over the APC’s leadership and Nigeria’s political future intensify, El-Rufai’s comments signal ongoing tensions within the ruling party and growing calls for democratic reforms.
0 Comments