A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has reaffirmed that former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, remains a committed stakeholder in the ruling party.
Jamoh made this statement on Thursday during a press briefing in Kaduna, amid growing speculation about El-Rufai’s alleged political realignment and links to opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While acknowledging El-Rufai’s recent public mention of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamoh emphasized that the former governor has not officially exited the APC.
“As far as I’m concerned, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is still with us,” he said. “Yes, he referenced the SDP and ADC, but we haven’t reached the point of parting ways. He remains a voice we consult — his expertise, knowledge, and advice are still very much valued within the APC.”
Jamoh described El-Rufai as a major political figure whose contributions to Kaduna State and the APC cannot be overlooked.
“You don’t just disown someone who has been part of your journey for eight years. He was a minister under the PDP, joined CPC which later merged into the APC, and led Kaduna for two terms. He is part of our political DNA,” Jamoh said.
He acknowledged that El-Rufai, like every politician, has the right to make personal decisions but noted that the APC in Kaduna remains open to him, regardless of his affiliations.
“If he says today that he’s no longer with ADC, we’ll still receive him. If he chooses ADC, we’ll watch how far the ADC can go,” he added.
Jamoh also downplayed the strength of the ADC in the state, stating that the party is still struggling to establish a credible structure. “We hear he is the North-West leader of the ADC, but here in Kaduna, the party is not making significant inroads. We don’t even know their key figures,” he said.
On the perceived threat of El-Rufai’s influence boosting opposition chances, Jamoh argued that attention should be focused on party strength, not individuals — especially since El-Rufai has completed his constitutional limit of two gubernatorial terms.
“Are we talking about El-Rufai or the ADC? He cannot run for governor again. The question is: can ADC or any other party defeat the APC in Kaduna? And my answer is no.”
Using a Hausa proverb, Jamoh added, “When you grind your corn, you don’t throw all of it into the pot — it’ll be too heavy. APC is too heavy for any opposition in this state.”
He challenged journalists and political observers to conduct independent surveys to assess the APC’s standing in Kaduna. “After Uba Sani, who among the opposition has what it takes to win? We have over 10 credible candidates. Do your homework and compare.”
Admitting the party has internal issues, Jamoh stressed that the APC is working to resolve them and remains the dominant political force in the state.
“Yes, we have challenges. But we’re fixing them. That’s why I’m here talking to you. Don’t be swayed by talk that members are leaving in droves. Stay focused. Don’t abandon a party you’ve invested in just because of propaganda. One day, those who stayed will reap the rewards,” he concluded.
