The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai following his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and his call for opposition leaders to join him, dismissing it as an act of self-interest and political vendetta.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Felix Morka, APC’s national publicity secretary, accused El-Rufai of prioritizing personal ambition over national interest.
“Nigerians are far more savvy than El-Rufai thinks, and they know that he is driven by raw self-interest rather than a genuine concern for the country,” Morka said.
Morka described El-Rufai’s move as a “grudge-laden tirade”, adding that APC remains strong despite the former governor’s departure.
El-Rufai’s Exit and Criticism of Tinubu
El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2023, resigned from the APC on March 10 after months of tension with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He has since become a vocal critic of the government, alleging that Tinubu has failed to deliver on his promises.
However, Morka dismissed these claims, arguing that Nigeria is witnessing tangible progress across all sectors under Tinubu’s leadership.
“El-Rufai’s claim that Tinubu has failed is as outrageous as it is bogus, and a gross distortion of the reality on the ground,” he said.
“Across all sectors, Nigerians are witnessing tangible progress in the delivery of the President’s campaign promises. Indisputably, Nigeria is better off today than when he took office.”
APC: ‘El-Rufai Should Quit Sulking’
Morka challenged El-Rufai to engage in constructive criticism rather than what he described as “scurrilous propaganda and deliberate misinformation.”
“El-Rufai is free to choose his political affiliation as he has done. He should quit sulking, get a grip, and salvage some respectability,” Morka stated.
He further accused the former governor of trying to undermine the country’s progress through misleading rhetoric and personal attacks on President Tinubu.
