The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. The party dismissed his remarks as bitter and self-serving, accusing him of being disgruntled because his personal expectations were not met.
El-Rufai, during an interview on Arise TV, had expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating that while some of the policies were correct, their sequencing was flawed. He also questioned the competence of those implementing them, arguing that the government was harming domestic agriculture by allowing Nigerian farmers to compete with subsidized agricultural products from other countries.
He further claimed that Tinubu personally stopped him from becoming a minister, contrary to reports that he was rejected by the National Assembly. The ex-governor alleged that despite Tinubu publicly asking him to serve in his government, the President later changed his mind after months of negotiations.
“I don’t need anything. After eight years in Kaduna, I was nearly burnt out. I wanted to take a break and had my private plans. The President publicly appealed to me to put my plans on hold and, after two months of discussions, we agreed he would nominate me as a minister. But along the line, he changed his mind,” El-Rufai said.
Accusations Against Ribadu
El-Rufai did not stop at the President. He also took a swipe at NSA Nuhu Ribadu, claiming that Ribadu was behind a plot to destroy his reputation. He alleged that the NSA was working with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tarnish his image.
According to him, Ribadu is nursing a 2031 presidential ambition and is trying to eliminate every northern politician he perceives as a threat.
“This project of destroying Nasir El-Rufai is Nuhu Ribadu’s conception. He is the architect and builder of that project. He is working with Uba Sani to implement it. So far, it has been frustrating for them,” El-Rufai stated.
**APC Reacts: “El-Rufai’s Support Means Nothing”
Reacting to El-Rufai’s outburst, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, described the former governor’s comments as pathetic, dismissing them as the grievances of a man whose personal ambitions were not fulfilled.
“El-Rufai is a grudging man. His personal expectations and selfish needs were not met, so he is bitter about it. That is why he is making all these remarks,” Arodiogbu said.
When asked if the party was concerned about losing El-Rufai to the opposition, Arodiogbu dismissed him as insignificant, saying his influence is negligible compared to the number of politicians defecting to the APC.
“El-Rufai’s support amounts to nothing. It’s just like seeing a lizard on the wall doing press-ups. No matter how many press-ups it does, it can never grow the biceps of a crocodile. That is how I see him,” he said.
He further claimed that El-Rufai’s frustration stems from the fact that many of his loyalists in Kaduna have abandoned him to join the APC.
“He is only pained because people are leaving him and joining the APC. That’s why he suddenly found the courage to grant what he called his first interview. He is yearning for attention after realizing he has lost relevance,” Arodiogbu added.
Hints at Leaving APC
El-Rufai also suggested that he might leave the APC if the party does not return to its founding values. He stated that the party had abandoned him, and if things did not change, he might seek another platform that aligns with his beliefs.
“I didn’t say I have no intention of leaving the APC. I said the APC has already left me. The party is not what we worked hard to create. If the APC does not retrace its steps, I may have to find another platform that upholds the progressive values I believe in,” he said.
However, he ruled out a return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a failed party.
“I can tell you for sure that PDP is not a party I will go to, ever. The PDP has gotten worse. Other parties, possibly, if the APC doesn’t sort itself out,” he declared.
Skipping APC NEC Meeting, Off to Egypt
El-Rufai also revealed that he would not be attending the APC’s National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. He claimed that he was not given adequate notice and had already made travel plans to Egypt.
“The party’s constitution requires 14 to 21 days’ notice for such meetings. I don’t think that notice was given. If it was, I did not receive it. So, I have my plans, and I will be traveling tomorrow,” he said.
As El-Rufai continues to express his dissatisfaction with the APC, his next political move remains uncertain. However, the party appears unfazed by his criticisms, maintaining that his departure would have no significant impact on its fortunes.
