Bwala Accuses El-Rufai of Pursuing Personal Vendetta, Not Patriotism, in Criticism of Tinubu Administration
Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, has accused Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, of harboring personal grievances rather than acting out of patriotism in his recent criticisms of the current administration. In a sharply worded response to El-Rufai’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Bwala expressed concerns over what he described as El-Rufai’s “vengeance mission” against the president.
Bwala, who has long supported Tinubu’s leadership, questioned El-Rufai’s motives, suggesting that the criticisms were less about national interest and more about a desire for personal retribution. He stated, “My worry, however, is the motive behind your statements and actions; they are not borne out of patriotism, but a need for vengeance. The opposition sees that singular element of vengeance as a veritable tool for your recruitment.”
Shared History in APC and the Push for Unity
In his response, Bwala reminded El-Rufai of their shared history within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Both men played pivotal roles in Tinubu’s emergence as the APC’s presidential candidate during the 2023 elections. While acknowledging his respect for El-Rufai, Bwala made it clear that his loyalty to Tinubu dates back to the early days of the party, well before recent political shifts.
Bwala further highlighted the ideological differences within the APC during its formation, noting that El-Rufai came from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction, while he himself was aligned with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Despite these divisions, Bwala emphasized his efforts to protect Tinubu’s interests within the party, particularly during the tenure of former APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.
Call for Reconciliation and Return to APC
Bwala’s most direct message was a call for El-Rufai to abandon what he termed “melodramatic activities” and return to the APC fold to resolve any grievances he may have. He suggested that El-Rufai, a senior figure within the party, could resolve his issues in a more dignified manner, without resorting to public criticism of the government.
“I still think you don’t need all these melodramatic activities or a vengeance mission,” Bwala remarked. “Come back and resolve whatever you think is your grievance like a dignified man that you are.”
In a further appeal, Bwala reassured El-Rufai of the APC’s continued dominance, asserting, “The APC is the only organized party with identifiable structures across the country.” He concluded with a heartfelt plea for El-Rufai to return to the party, saying, “Please senior, come home; you have toiled all night.”
Political Fallout and Party Unity
Bwala’s statement comes amid growing tension within the APC, as El-Rufai’s criticisms of the administration have raised questions about the party’s unity. Political observers are closely watching this exchange, speculating that the former governor’s criticisms could signal deeper rifts within the party, which may have lasting implications for its future.
The back-and-forth between Bwala and El-Rufai highlights a struggle between personal ambition and party loyalty. While Bwala has called for reconciliation, El-Rufai’s actions suggest that unresolved issues remain, making the path to unity within the APC increasingly uncertain.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on whether El-Rufai will heed Bwala’s call for a return to the APC or whether his criticisms will escalate, further testing the resolve of the ruling party in Nigeria.
Reference