•Nasir El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculations suggesting he plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 2-day National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria held in Abuja today, El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling party, reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, emphasizing that he has no intention of quitting the party, reports The Nation.
“I have no plans to leave the party,” El-Rufai said, adding that he expects improved performance from the APC.
El-Rufai, who has been critical of the party since being excluded from the ministerial list last year, strongly refuted claims about his possible exit when questioned after the conference.
“I am not leaving the APC. I don’t have such plans.,” El-Rufai declared
“But why are you so hard on the party lately?” the former Federal Capital Territory Minister was asked.
“No, no no, I want them (APC) them to change,” he responded and moved away.
But yesterday at the national talk-shop El-Rufai accused APC of abandoning its founding principles and fostering poor leadership.
He complained of lack of internal democracy and active party structures within the party.
According to him, “I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.”
El-Rufai noted that the APC was originally established to combat corruption, rebuild the economy, and enhance security.
He, however claimed that the goals have been abandoned.
“The problems that led to the creation of the APC remain unresolved, but I no longer believe the APC is interested in addressing them. The distance between me and the party is widening,” he hinted.
