"El-Rufai Criticizes Tinubu's Administration Amid Growing Tensions Within APC"

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, recently expressed his dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the President of failing to appoint the right individuals to help implement key government policies. El-Rufai also criticized some of the reforms introduced by the current government, calling them misguided.

In response to these remarks, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, the APC National Vice Chairman for the South East, denounced El-Rufai’s comments as "pathetic." Arodiogbu suggested that El-Rufai's criticisms were fueled by personal grievances and unfulfilled expectations. He also described El-Rufai as a person who has struggled with the party’s direction, stating, “El-Rufai is a grudging man. His personal desires were not met, leading to his bitterness.”

El-Rufai had previously voiced his discontent, hinting at the possibility of leaving the APC due to what he perceived as a departure from the party's original values. He stated, “I didn’t say I’m leaving the APC; I said the APC has left me.” According to him, the party had strayed too far from its foundational principles, and he found himself feeling stranded. Despite this, he did not rule out returning to the party if it realigned with its original ideals.

However, El-Rufai made it clear that if he were to leave the APC, joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was not an option. He stated, “PDP is not a party that I will go to, ever.” El-Rufai emphasized that he had ruled out the PDP long ago, even claiming that the party’s situation had only worsened. He also mentioned that while he may consider other political options if the APC does not return to its roots, the PDP was not on the table for him.

Further expressing his disappointment, El-Rufai revealed that he would not be attending the APC's National Caucus and National Executive Committee meetings, which were set to take place. He also raised concerns about not being appointed to a government position despite earlier expectations, and accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of working against him.

While the presidency had not made an official statement in response to El-Rufai’s accusations at the time of this writing, the APC has already voiced its disagreement with the former governor's remarks.

This situation illustrates the ongoing tensions within the party and raises questions about its future direction as members continue to voice their concerns.