The recent rebuke of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has ignited vigorous discourse and sparked intense debate within Nigeria’s political circles. El-Rufai’s condemnation of the APC’s deviation from its foundational principles and its neglect of internal democracy is not empty political grandstanding, and should not be dismissed as mere political posturing. Despite the ostensibly self-serving undertones of some of his acerbic remarks, the gravity of his assertions and the substance of his criticism warrants serious consideration and substantive examination.
El-Rufai, a key architect of the APC’s formation, wields unparalleled insight into the party’s ideological compass and operational dynamics. His assertion that the APC has strayed from its original mission of promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability echoes the sentiments of many party loyalists and Nigerian citizens alike. The former governor’s insider perspective lends credibility to his concerns, making them difficult to ignore. The fact that El-Rufai categorically ruled out aligning with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) underscores the sincerity of his concerns. His refusal to attend the party’s stakeholders’ meeting, citing procedural irregularities in the notice period, exemplifies his commitment to upholding institutional integrity.
Critics dismiss El-Rufai’s critique as the lamentations of a politician sidelined from the corridors of power, arguing that his statements are motivated by personal grievances and political ambition. His strained and rocky relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly following the withdrawal of his ministerial nomination, lends credence to this perception and interpretation. However, reducing his criticism to mere personal discontent risks obfuscating the broader implications of the APC’s internal dysfunction, and overlooking the broader issues he has highlighted. The prolonged absence of National Executive Council (NEC), National Caucus, and Board of Trustees (BOT) meetings underscores a systemic erosion of party governance, with profound consequences for Nigeria’s democratic fabric. The decline of internal democracy within the APC is a matter of national significance, with implications for governance, political stability, and the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
El-Rufai’s willingness to publicly challenge his party reflects a level of political courage that is rare in Nigeria’s often sycophantic political landscape. His candid acknowledgment that the APC has “left” its founding members underscores a broader disillusionment within the party. His assertion that the party must realign its policies with its progressive values or risk alienating its core supporters serves as a clarion call for reform, which aligns with the aspirations of many Nigerians who seek a political environment characterized by accountability, inclusiveness, and respect for democratic norms. Moreover, his critique of the government’s economic policies—specifically, the adverse impact of agricultural importation on local farmers—reflects a nuanced understanding of governance that transcends partisan loyalty.
By advocating for a return to the party’s core values, El-Rufai is championing principles that are essential for the long-term viability of both the APC and Nigeria’s democratic system. Nevertheless, El-Rufai’s credibility as a reformist is tempered by his contentious legacy as Kaduna’s governor, marked by policies that polarized public opinion. His allegations of political persecution by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Kaduna’s current governor, Uba Sani, further complicate his moral standing. Accusations of financial mismanagement during his tenure and the specter of a political vendetta cast a shadow over his calls for accountability.
This mixed track record complicates his role as a moral authority within the APC. To be taken seriously, El-Rufai must demonstrate that his current stance is driven by genuine concern for the party’s future and the nation’s well-being, rather than personal ambition or vendetta. Yet, the substance of El-Rufai’s critique cannot be dismissed. His warning that the APC risks losing political relevance if it fails to restore internal democracy and governance transparency is a sobering reminder of the party’s precarious future. While detractors, like former APC national secretary Waziri Bulama, downplay the significance of El-Rufai’s dissent, their assurances of party cohesion overlook the growing discontent within its ranks.
In essence, El-Rufai’s critique should catalyze introspection within the APC. While skepticism regarding El-Rufai’s motivations is understandable, the core issues he has raised deserve thoughtful examination. The party must reconcile its current trajectory with the principles that galvanized its formation, lest it alienate both its members and the electorate. The APC must heed these warnings if it is to restore public confidence and maintain its relevance in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. Ignoring such internal critiques risks further alienating both party members and the electorate, ultimately undermining the party’s prospects for long-term success and sustained political dominance. El-Rufai’s criticism, therefore, should serve as a catalyst for introspection and meaningful reform within the APC. Thus, despite the complexities surrounding his motives, El-Rufai’s criticism stands as a pivotal moment for the APC—a moment that demands genuine reform and a renewed commitment to its foundational ideals.
