By Abigail Philip David
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s recent criticism of the party, attributing his stance to frustration over his failed bid for a ministerial appointment.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, via the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, APC described El-Rufai’s remarks as a cover for personal grievances.
“El-Rufai stands diminished as the epitome of a self-interested politician, blinded by ego, driven by untamed emotion, and brimming with a vengeful desire to collapse the system,” Morka stated.
El-Rufai had claimed in a BBC Hausa interview that the APC had abandoned its progressive ideals and was now dominated by politicians prioritizing personal interests. However, the ruling party countered that his criticism was merely a reaction to his inability to secure a ministerial role in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
His claims about APC deviating from its founding values were described as a “smokescreen” to disguise his disappointment. “He appears traumatized by his failure to land a ministerial position,” the statement read.
The party also questioned El-Rufai’s move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), asking how the SDP aligns with the progressive ideology he claims to champion.
“Exactly how is the SDP, his new political abode, an ideological safe haven?” Morka asked.
APC reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to governance and economic reforms, citing fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and increased foreign investment as evidence of progress.
The party dismissed El-Rufai’s claims that Tinubu’s administration had failed, calling them “outrageous” and a misrepresentation of reality.
Urging El-Rufai to embrace constructive criticism rather than personal attacks, APC advised him to accept his political fate.
“El-Rufai is free to choose his political affiliation, but he should quit sulking, get a grip, and salvage some respectability,” the statement concluded.
