“I No Longer Recognize the APC” – El-Rufai Slams Ruling Party

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has strongly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the ruling party has deviated from its founding principles and is now plagued by poor leadership.

Speaking at a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, El-Rufai described the state of governance and opposition in the country as a “national emergency.” He expressed concern over the APC’s lack of internal democracy, noting that the party has not convened key meetings in two years.

“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,” he said.

El-Rufai attributed the leadership crisis in political parties to unqualified delegates, arguing that their lack of education and competence has resulted in weak governance. He urged parties to implement higher standards for candidates and delegates, insisting that the constitutional requirement of a secondary school certificate is insufficient for leadership positions.

He also lamented that the APC has abandoned its core objectives of fighting corruption, rebuilding the economy, and improving security. Citing a poll that suggested 75 percent of registered voters may abstain from the 2027 elections, he warned that Nigeria could face a serious political crisis.

In response, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communications and Media, questioned El-Rufai’s criticism, suggesting that he might have held a different stance if he were still in government.

“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,” Bwala wrote.