Former Kaduna State Governor in Nigeria, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculations that he plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his loyalty to the ruling party despite recent criticisms.
Speaking on the sidelines of the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria in Abuja, El-Rufai clarified that he remains committed to the APC but expects the party to improve its performance.
“I have no plans to leave the party,” El-Rufai stated.
When pressed on his recent criticisms of the APC, he responded:
“No, no, no. I want them to change.”
El-Rufai’s Concerns About APC’s Direction
El-Rufai has been vocal about the lack of internal democracy and the apparent weakening of party structures within the APC.
At the conference, he criticized the ruling party, 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.”
According to El-Rufai, the APC was founded on the principles of fighting corruption, rebuilding the economy, and improving security, but these goals have been abandoned.
He hinted at growing frustration with the party’s leadership, saying:
“The problems that led to the creation of the APC remain unresolved, but I no longer believe the APC is interested in addressing them. The distance between me and the party is widening.”
El-Rufai’s Rocky Relationship with APC Leadership
El-Rufai has had a strained relationship with the APC leadership since being excluded from President Tinubu’s ministerial list last year. His absence from the federal cabinet fueled speculation that he was preparing to exit the party.
Despite his grievances, El-Rufai maintains that he has no plans to quit the APC, though his remarks suggest deep dissatisfaction with the party’s current direction.
With 2027 elections approaching, El-Rufai’s stance could influence the internal power struggle within the APC and shape the party’s future leadership.
