Just a day after he publicly lambasted the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has denied plans to leave the party.
He made the denial at a national conference in Abuja where he painted a dire picture of Nigeria’s governance and politics as a “national emergency.”
The conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria was organized by reputable institutions including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Centre for Democracy and Development and National Peace Committee.
El-Rufai spoke at the event and didn’t mince words on the state of internal democracy in APC.
He said the party has strayed far from its founding principles. “I don’t recognize APC anymore,” he said. “No party organ has met in two years — no caucus, no National Executive Committee, nothing. It’s not even a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.”
He highlighted the absence of structures and mechanisms of governance in the party.
El-Rufai also faulted the minimum qualification for political candidates, saying the secondary school certificate is too low. He urged political parties to set higher standards for aspirants, saying that would improve leadership quality and governance outcomes.
He recalled the APC’s original mission to fight corruption, rebuild the economy and improve national security — goals that seem to be getting farther away.
He didn’t spare the opposition parties too. He called on them to come together and build a strong coalition to check the ruling party. He said that is the only way to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
His comments drew mixed reactions with some analysts speculating he might be planning to leave the APC.
But El-Rufai was quick to clear the air. At the end of the two-day conference, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party.
“I am a founder of APC. How can I be leaving?” he asked.
When asked about his recent comments, he said: “I want them to change.”
He stressed the need for constructive criticism to reform the party and strengthen its structures.
He admitted the challenges Nigerians are facing under APC’s leadership and acknowledged the frustrations of citizens.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” he said when asked for solutions. “I am also figuring out what to do myself.”
El-Rufai’s comments show the growing discontent with governance in Nigeria not only among the opposition but also within the ruling party. Whether these criticisms will lead to real reform in APC is yet to be seen but it shows the need for stronger political institutions and renewed commitment to democracy.