Barely 24 hours after his criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculations that he may be planning to leave the party.
El-Rufai described the state of governance and opposition in the country as a “national emergency” during a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria on Monday.
The conference was organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, the Centre for Democracy and Development, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, and the National Peace Committee.
The former governor lamented the lack of internal democracy and active party structures within the APC, saying, “I no longer recognise 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 urged political parties to set higher standards for candidates and delegates, stating that the constitution’s minimum requirement of a secondary school certificate is insufficient for party nominations.
Reflecting on the party’s foundation, El-Rufai said the APC was originally established to combat corruption, rebuild the economy, and enhance security.
The APC chieftain also called on opposition parties to unite and form a broad coalition to challenge the ruling party and safeguard democracy.
