The political future of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is under threat as reports suggest that plans are underway to suspend and expel him from the party.
Sources within the party headquarters in Abuja revealed that this move is connected to what the APC leadership deems as “anti-party activities” by el-Rufai, a founding member of the party. The tensions reportedly reached a boiling point following his exclusion from a ministerial appointment by the National Assembly, and further escalated when el-Rufai launched fresh attacks on both the party and its leaders.
The former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister made scathing remarks at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria in Abuja, where he openly criticized the APC. He described the party as lacking ideals, abandoning its founding principles, and suffering from poor leadership, primarily due to unqualified delegates. He also lamented the absence of internal democracy within the party, claiming that no party organs have met in two years.
El-Rufai further escalated his critique by claiming that the quality of leadership in Nigeria is undermined by what he termed “illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people” holding leadership positions. He stated, “I no longer recognise the APC,” highlighting his frustration with the party’s direction and leadership. According to him, the problems that led to the creation of the APC remain unresolved, and the party is no longer interested in addressing them.
Although el-Rufai claimed that his attacks were intended to push for change, the APC leadership responded aggressively. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, labeled him as an aggrieved, desperate leader, accusing him of attempting to deflect attention from the failures of opposition parties by making false allegations about the APC. Morka also dismissed suggestions by el-Rufai and other opposition figures about the APC’s involvement in the troubles of rival parties.
When asked about the possibility of el-Rufai joining another political party, the APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, expressed that such a move would not be unusual, noting the fluidity of political party affiliations in Nigeria. He, however, remarked that if el-Rufai did choose to leave, it would be his personal choice.
Sources at the APC headquarters disclosed that the party has now decided to take more severe actions, with plans to initiate his suspension from his ward in Kaduna, followed by an expulsion at both the state and national levels. The sources indicated that the party leadership, including those in the presidency, are deeply angered by el-Rufai’s actions and consider it disrespectful to allow him to walk out of the party without facing consequences. The suspension and eventual expulsion are seen as a way to avoid further damage to the party’s reputation and authority.