Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dropped a bombshell, suggesting he might ditch the All Progressives Congress (APC) if it doesn’t get back to its original values. Could this be the start of a major political shakeup? Here’s the lowdown:
- El-Rufai says the APC has “left him,” claiming the party has abandoned its founding principles.
- He’s not ruling out finding a new political platform to pursue his progressive ideals.
- He slams the APC for failing to hold important meetings and losing its internal democracy.
- He says PDP is not an option.
- El-Rufai is staying mum on whether he’ll support Tinubu in 2027.
El-Rufai: “APC Has Left Me!”
In a recent interview on ARISE News, El-Rufai didn’t mince words. He stated, “I am not leaving the APC; the APC has left me.” He believes the party has strayed from its initial goals of fighting corruption, fixing the economy, and boosting security. Ouch!
What’s Wrong with the APC?
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, is worried. He says the party isn’t holding the necessary National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. These meetings are crucial for checking if government policies are in line with the party’s promises. “In two years, the party has not met,” he pointed out, “so no one, to the best of my knowledge, has any insight into what has gone wrong.”
Is El-Rufai Eyeing a New Party?
When asked about his future, El-Rufai hinted at finding another political home if the APC doesn’t get its act together. “I am not ready to retire from politics, so sooner or later, I may have to find another platform to pursue those progressive values that I believe in if I can’t find them in the APC,” he warned.
PDP? Not a Chance!
Before you think he might jump to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), El-Rufai shut that down real quick. “One thing I can tell you for sure is that PDP is not a party that I will go to, ever. In fact, if anything, PDP has gotten worse, so you can rule that out. Other parties? Possibly.”
2027: Will El-Rufai Back Tinubu?
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, El-Rufai is playing it cool. He’s not committing to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. “I will evaluate the situation at the time and consult widely. We are going to take a decision on which candidate to support and which party,” he said.
El-Rufai Not at APC Meeting
El-Rufai also mentioned he wouldn’t be at the APC’s national meeting because he didn’t get enough notice and already had travel plans. “The constitution of our party requires 21 days’ notice for this kind of national meeting. I don’t think that notice has been given. If it has, I have not received an invitation two to three weeks ago,” he explained.
What Does This Mean for Nigeria’s Politics?
El-Rufai’s comments could signal big changes in Nigerian politics. If a prominent figure like him is considering leaving the APC, it could encourage others to do the same. This could lead to new political alliances and a reshuffling of power as we head towards the next elections. Keep your eyes peeled!
Side Note: El-Rufai’s Achievements as Governor
During his time as Governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai was known for his focus on:
- Infrastructure development (roads, schools, and hospitals)
- Improving education
- Tackling insecurity
- Promoting economic growth
His policies were often controversial, but he left a significant mark on the state. It remains to be seen if El-Rufai can return to those successes on another platform.
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