KEY POINTS

• APC accuses El-Rufai of using personal grievances to attack the party.
• The party defends Tinubu’s leadership and ongoing reforms.
• APC challenges El-Rufai’s decision to join the SDP, questioning its alignment.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent criticisms of the party, attributing his exit to personal bitterness over his failure to secure a ministerial position.

In a statement issued Monday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said that El-Rufai’s claims, particularly that the party had abandoned its founding principles, were “smokescreens” to disguise his 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.

The remarks come after El-Rufai’s interview with BBC Hausa, in which he argued that the APC had deviated from its progressive ideals and was now dominated by self-serving politicians.

APC accuses El-Rufai of weaponizing personal grievance

The ruling party’s response suggested that El-Rufai’s frustration stemmed primarily from his inability to land a ministerial appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“His claim that he exited because the party had deviated from its founding values is a smokescreen to weaponize personal grievance disguised as principled dissent,” Morka continued. “He appears traumatized by his failure to land a ministerial position.”

APC expressed doubts about El-Rufai’s move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) while seeking answers regarding the link between his new party and his proclaimed liberal views.

“Exactly how is the SDP, his new political abode, an ideological haven?” Morka asked.

APC defends Tinubu’s leadership amid criticism

The APC stood behind President Tinubu’s administration by stressing his dedication to implementing good governance and economic transformation plans.

According to Punch, Morka pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, and increased foreign investment as examples of the administration’s progress.

“El-Rufai’s claim that Tinubu has failed is outrageous and a gross distortion of reality,” the statement read. “Across all sectors, Nigerians are witnessing tangible progress in the delivery of the President’s campaign promises.”

The party further urged El-Rufai to engage in constructive opposition rather than making personal attacks.

“El-Rufai should offer constructive criticism or alternative policies as expected of serious-minded political opposition,” Morka concluded.

APC’s statement advised El-Rufai to accept his political reality and move forward, saying, “He should quit sulking, get a grip, and salvage some respectability.”