Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has raised concerns over the state of internal democracy within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that he may exit the party if it fails to return to its founding principles. However, he firmly ruled out the possibility of defecting to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking in an interview with Arise Television, El-Rufai lamented that the APC has deviated from its original ideals, citing the failure to convene key party meetings, including the National Executive Council (NEC), National Caucus, and Board of Trustees (BOT), throughout the past year. He stated that a political party should function through internal democracy, but the APC has neglected this, leaving many members disillusioned.
El-Rufai disclosed that he would not attend the APC stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, arguing that it lacked the mandatory 14 to 21 days’ notice. Expressing disappointment in the party’s leadership, he remarked that the APC, which he helped establish, has abandoned its core values. He added that while he remains a member of the party for now, he may have to seek an alternative platform if reforms are not implemented.
The former governor also refuted claims that his name was dropped from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministerial list due to adverse security reports. He asserted that Tinubu personally decided to remove him from consideration despite previously persuading him for two months to serve in the administration. He dismissed speculation about security concerns, questioning why such issues would arise after he had already served as a governor for eight years and a minister two decades ago.
El-Rufai further criticized President Tinubu’s approach to governance, stating that while he supports several policies of the administration, the execution has been problematic due to the quality of those implementing them. He also faulted the government’s decision to rely on food imports rather than supporting local farmers.
On the issue of ministerial appointments, El-Rufai accused the president of making lopsided selections, though he cautioned against generalizing Tinubu’s actions as representative of the entire South-West. He praised the Yoruba for their progressive values but criticized the rise of political influence among street elements, referring to the promotion of “Area Boys.”
He also alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is orchestrating a political witch-hunt against him, claiming that Ribadu is working to eliminate potential northern challengers ahead of his rumored 2031 presidential ambition. He accused Ribadu of collaborating with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tarnish his reputation by investigating alleged mismanagement of N423 billion during his tenure. He dismissed the probe as a “charade,” insisting that it was a targeted attempt to undermine him and his political allies.
Meanwhile, key APC stakeholders have downplayed El-Rufai’s grievances, describing his criticisms as self-serving. Former APC National Secretary, Waziri Bulama, dismissed the notion of a northern coalition against Tinubu’s second-term bid, arguing that the APC remains strong and united. He emphasized that identity-based mobilization no longer holds sway in Nigerian politics, adding that Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027 remain robust due to the ruling party’s nationwide influence.
Bulama also criticized opposition parties, arguing that they are too fragmented to mount a credible challenge. He suggested that any attempt to field a northern consensus candidate would be ineffective, as it would only divide the region’s votes. He further asserted that El-Rufai and his associates lack the public trust necessary to influence the political landscape, labeling their campaign as “dubious and frivolous.”
In a related development, the North-Central APC Forum has commended President Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing the region’s development. The group, led by its chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, urged prominent North-Central politicians in opposition parties, including former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and David Mark, as well as ex-governors Jonah Jang, Babangida Aliyu, Gabriel Suswam, and Samuel Ortom, to join the APC.
The forum highlighted the administration’s commitment to previously neglected infrastructure projects, such as the Jos-Akwanga Road, Makurdi-Oturkpo-Otukpa Road, Minna-Bida Road, and Lokoja-Abuja Road. It also lauded the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) as a milestone that would address the region’s long-standing developmental challenges.
According to the forum, the North-Central region has benefited significantly under Tinubu’s leadership compared to past PDP administrations. It urged political leaders in the region to prioritize development over party loyalty, arguing that the APC offers a more viable platform for advancing the region’s interests. The group further expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, endorsing his administration for a second term.
