•Nasir El-Rufai
The APC Professional Network, the umbrella body for professionals within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the defection of a core professional like former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai from the party was a massive betrayal.
The professional group however insisted that the matter is not beyond resolution despite his sudden movement to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), reports Saturday Independent.
This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s President General, Victor Walsh Oluwafemi stating that: “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has been a prominent figure in the APC, and his contributions to the party’s growth and governance objectives have been most significant.
“However, his decision to leave the party, coupled with the comments made during his interview, is both unexpected and disappointing. It raises concerns about the principles of party loyalty, consistency, and the commitment required to build a stronger APC.
“We acknowledge his right to association and political choice, but we cannot ignore the impact of such actions on the integrity and unity of our great party.
“The APC Professional Network remains committed to the vision and values of the APC and will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the party’s principles of good governance, accountability, and development.
Oluwafemi explained that: “As professionals within the APC, we urge our members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and resolute.
“We must not allow this development to deter us from our collective goal of advancing the party’s agenda for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
“We call on party leaders at all levels to strengthen internal cohesion and address concerns that may lead to further defections. Now, more than ever, the APC must demonstrate leadership, unity, and resolve.”
Stressing further that “we remain committed to the ideals of the APC and assure our members that we will continue to engage constructively to ensure the party remains strong and united”.
