The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly responded to recent criticisms from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his stark warning that Nigeria’s fragile social fabric could disintegrate if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in the 2027 general elections. During an appearance at a recent event hosted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, El-Rufai openly criticized the Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of lacking clear direction and vision for national progress. Reacting to these statements, Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, issued a stinging rebuttal, branding El-Rufai as nothing more than “a political clown.” Morka further alleged that El-Rufai has been politically destabilized since being left out of President Tinubu’s ministerial nominations. “His rapid descent from national relevance to a mere political clown should be studied like a case of political regression,” Morka stated in a press release issued to media outlets. He did not mince words, accusing El-Rufai and his newfound ADC affiliates of contributing nothing meaningful to national political discourse. According to him, they only parade “bloated egos, exaggerated sense of entitlement, and insatiable personal ambition.” “El-Rufai and his co-travelers in the ADC are a perfect example of disorganized, directionless, and weak opposition—arguably the most confused our nation has ever witnessed,” Morka emphasized. In the statement, Morka challenged El-Rufai to provide viable and implementable alternatives to the policy decisions made by the Tinubu administration. He questioned their repeated criticism of the removal of fuel subsidies and monetary reforms without offering workable solutions. “If they so strongly oppose the reforms our administration has implemented, then let them demonstrate how they would restore fuel subsidies or strengthen the naira without plunging the economy into deeper turmoil,” he said. Morka concluded by expressing confidence in the APC’s political standing, asserting that the Nigerian people will continue to rally behind President Tinubu’s vision and are likely to renew his mandate come 2027. “The masses understand the depth of reforms being carried out, and they will once again stand behind our great party to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election,” Morka affirmed.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbored a personal dislike for him during their time in the All Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufai made this known in an exclusive conversation during the Prime Time programme on Arise Television, aired on Monday. In the interview, the former governor clarified his political alignment within the party, emphasizing his close affiliation with former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he referred to as his political mentor and ally. “Bola Tinubu never really liked me, and we never truly got along. In the party, I was known as Buhari’s boy,” El-Rufai disclosed. He further noted that his stronger relationship in the party was with Chief Bisi Akande, the former Osun State Governor and a founding member of the APC. El-Rufai described Akande affectionately as “Baba Akande”, underscoring the cordial bond they shared. “The person I connected well with was Baba Akande,” he added during the broadcast. Delving deeper into Nigeria’s electoral framework, El-Rufai also expressed skepticism regarding the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), specifically under the chairmanship of Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu. He voiced doubt over the commission’s willingness to register a new coalition political party. In comparing the leadership styles and political will of past and present electoral commission heads, El-Rufai praised Prof. Attahiru Jega, who served as INEC Chairman during the registration of the APC. He implied that Jega demonstrated greater impartiality and administrative openness during his tenure. El-Rufai previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Olusegun Obasanjo, making him one of the few political figures with experience under multiple administrations. His recent commentary sheds light on ongoing tensions within the APC and paints a clearer picture of the internal political dynamics and personal relationships that continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic space.
