Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed speculations about his potential defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), barely 24 hours after he publicly criticized the state of the ruling party.
Speaking at a national conference in Abuja on Monday, El-Rufai described governance and opposition in Nigeria as a “national emergency.”
The event, focused on strengthening democracy, was organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, the Centre for Democracy and Development, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, and the National Peace Committee.
El-Rufai expressed concern over the lack of internal democracy and active party structures within the APC. “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 or a zero-man show,” he said.
The former governor also called for higher standards in political leadership, criticizing the constitutional requirement of a secondary school certificate as inadequate for party nominations.
Reflecting on the party’s founding ideals, he noted that the APC was created to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and strengthen national security.
El-Rufai further urged opposition parties to unite and form a coalition capable of challenging the APC and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
His comments sparked speculation that he might be planning to leave the party, but El-Rufai firmly dispelled such rumors during the closing ceremony of the two-day conference in Abuja.
“I am a founder of the APC. How can I be on my way out?” he asked reporters, reaffirming his commitment to the party.
When questioned about his recent criticisms, El-Rufai clarified, “It is because I want them to change.”
He also acknowledged the challenges Nigerians face under the APC’s leadership, saying, “Honestly, I don’t know. I am also figuring out what to do myself.”
