2027: APC Berates El-Rufai for Attack on Tinubu and Ribadu Amid Political Rift
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply criticized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for his scathing remarks against President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. The party’s reaction comes after El-Rufai, in a Monday night interview on Arise TV, lambasted the Tinubu administration’s economic policies and accused Ribadu of orchestrating a smear campaign against him.
The APC’s National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed El-Rufai’s criticisms as “pathetic” and driven by personal grievances. However, the public spat between El-Rufai and the ruling party underscores deeper fissures within the APC, raising questions about the party’s unity and its ability to retain key figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai’s Grievances: A Breakdown
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, did not hold back in his critique of the Tinubu administration. His grievances can be summarized as follows:
Economic Policies: While acknowledging that some of Tinubu’s economic reforms are “orthodox” and necessary, El-Rufai argued that the sequencing was flawed. He criticized the administration for undermining domestic agriculture through policies that allow subsidized foreign products to flood the market, impoverishing local farmers.
Ministerial Snub: El-Rufai revealed that President Tinubu had initially offered him a ministerial position but later withdrew the offer. Contrary to earlier reports that the National Assembly rejected his nomination, El-Rufai claimed it was Tinubu who changed his mind. He expressed indifference to the snub, stating that he had moved on.
Attack on Ribadu: El-Rufai accused NSA Nuhu Ribadu of leading a plot to tarnish his reputation, allegedly in pursuit of a 2031 presidential bid. He claimed Ribadu is collaborating with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to discredit him.
APC’s Ideological Drift: El-Rufai lamented that the APC has strayed from the vision of its founding members. He declared, “The APC has left me,” hinting at a possible defection to another party that aligns with his progressive values.
APC’s Response: Dismissive and Defensive
The APC’s reaction to El-Rufai’s outburst was swift and dismissive. Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South East), described El-Rufai as a “grudging man” whose criticisms stemmed from unmet personal expectations.
Critical Analysis: A Party in Disarray?
The public feud between El-Rufai and the APC highlights the growing discontent within the ruling party. While the APC has dismissed El-Rufai’s criticisms as personal grievances, his remarks point to deeper issues that could undermine the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ideological Crisis: El-Rufai’s assertion that the APC has abandoned its founding values resonates with many party members who feel disillusioned by the current leadership. The party’s shift from its progressive roots to a more pragmatic, power-centric approach has alienated key figures like El-Rufai.
Tinubu’s Leadership Style: El-Rufai’s revelation about being sidelined for a ministerial position raises questions about Tinubu’s leadership style. Critics argue that the President’s tendency to centralize power and marginalize dissenting voices could weaken the party’s internal democracy.
Ribadu’s Role: El-Rufai’s allegations against Ribadu, if proven true, could damage the credibility of the NSA and the Tinubu administration. However, Ribadu’s denial and the Presidency’s swift rebuttal suggest that the accusations may be politically motivated.
2027 Implications: El-Rufai’s hint at defecting to another party could signal the beginning of a wave of defections from the APC. If other prominent figures follow suit, the party could face significant challenges in retaining its dominance in Nigerian politics.
The rift between Nasir El-Rufai and the APC is more than a personal feud; it is a symptom of the party’s internal struggles and ideological drift. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC must address these issues to maintain its position as Nigeria’s ruling party.
El-Rufai’s criticisms, though dismissed by the party, highlight the need for introspection and reform within the APC. If the party fails to reconcile with its disgruntled members and reaffirm its commitment to progressive values, it risks losing not only key figures like El-Rufai but also the trust of the Nigerian electorate.
For now, the ball is in the APC’s court. Whether it chooses to bridge the divide or continue on its current path will determine its fate in the coming years.
Reference
2027: APC Berates El-Rufai for Attack on Tinubu and Ribadu Amid Political Rift