Presidency Knocks El-Rufai Over Criticism of Tinubu’s Govt, Accuses Him of Betrayal

The Presidency has strongly responded to criticism from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of betraying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

El-Rufai, in a recent statement, called for the unification of opposition parties in preparation for the 2027 elections and criticized the APC’s leadership, urging for significant reforms within the party.

Speaking at a national conference in Abuja on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, El-Rufai described the situation within the APC as a “national emergency.” He noted that the ruling party had failed to live up to its founding goals of combating corruption, improving security, and rebuilding the economy.

He also pointed out that the party lacked internal democracy, with no meetings of party organs, caucuses, or the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the past two years.

El-Rufai’s remarks included a sharp critique of the party’s internal workings, where he stated, “I no longer recognise the APCI no longer recognise 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.”

He emphasized the need for political parties to adopt higher standards for candidates and delegates, particularly noting that a secondary school certificate should not be the sole qualification for party nominations.

Reflecting on the APC’s foundation, El-Rufai acknowledged that the party was formed with noble intentions but argued that these goals had been neglected. He called on opposition parties to overcome their internal crises, which he claimed were being fueled by “sponsored mercenaries” designed to destabilize the parties.

“There seems to be a deliberate project to destroy opposition parties. This is dangerous,” he stated, adding that those who lived under military rule could recognize the potential danger of a collapsing democracy.

In a direct appeal, El-Rufai urged opposition parties to unite and form a broad coalition to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections, warning that failure to act could lead to the repetition of Nigeria’s past political mistakes.

The Presidency was quick to respond to El-Rufai’s criticism. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, expressed disappointment over the former governor’s remarks. In a post on his official X account, Bwala asked whether El-Rufai would have held the same views had he still been a part of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

He tweeted, “My Senior brother if you were to be in the government and cabinet, would you have held and expressed the same position? History is replete with examples. It is a government you participated in its formation, that you now want to unseat. Haba Mallam, a Ji soron Allah mana.”

Similarly, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim suggested that El-Rufai should have addressed his concerns privately with party leadership rather than publicly criticizing the party. He acknowledged, however, that El-Rufai was entitled to his opinion, stating, “El-Rufai, as an individual, party member, former governor, ex-minister, and a well-respected politician, is entitled to his opinion. But that is not to say that is exactly what is happening in the APC.”

Ibrahim also reassured that the APC remains a party that listens to its members. He emphasized that under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the party is always open to hearing and addressing concerns.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have expressed support for El-Rufai’s statements, agreeing with his assessment that the APC has failed to deliver on its promises to Nigerians. They have urged the need for a united opposition to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 elections.

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