Mohamed Garba
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has firmly denied claims of opposing President Bola Tinubu and defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a recent statement, El-Rufai emphasized his unwavering commitment to the party and dismissed rumors suggesting otherwise.
Addressing the speculations, El-Rufai stated, “Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers.”
This clarification comes amid reports of a rift between El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State. The tension escalated when El-Rufai criticized the current administration’s approach to governance, labeling it a “national emergency” and calling for a coalition of opposition parties to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.
In response, Governor Sani defended President Tinubu, stating that no president in Nigeria’s history has practiced democracy like the incumbent. He expressed surprise at politicians forming coalitions against Tinubu, especially those who were in government less than two years ago.
El-Rufai countered by alleging that the federal government had selectively given Kaduna State N150 billion under the new administration, implying that Governor Sani’s support for President Tinubu was influenced by these funds.
Despite these exchanges, El-Rufai has reiterated his loyalty to the APC and dismissed any notions of defection. He has also initiated legal action against individuals spreading false information about his political affiliations.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, El-Rufai’s reaffirmation of his commitment to the APC underscores the complexities within the party and the broader political environment.