A Founding Member’s Lament
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has voiced his frustrations with the current state of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped establish. In a candid interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai expressed feelings of abandonment, stating that the APC has strayed from its founding principles. Despite his disillusionment, he remains committed to politics, though he hasn’t ruled out exploring other platforms. Here’s what he had to say.
El-Rufai’s Disillusionment with the APC
El-Rufai revealed that while he hasn’t left the APC, he feels the party has left him. He lamented that the APC has deviated from the values upon which it was founded, leaving him feeling “stranded.”
His Words:
“I didn’t say I have no intentions of leaving the APC; I said that APC is my party—I founded it. But the APC has left me; I didn’t leave the APC. We founded this party based on certain values, but today, the party has moved away from them. I feel stranded.”
Criticism of the Party’s Internal Democracy
El-Rufai criticized the APC’s failure to uphold internal democracy, pointing out that key decision-making bodies like the National Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) haven’t met in over two years. He emphasized that these meetings are crucial for aligning government policies with the party’s manifesto.
His Words:
“When the organs of the party meet, they provide feedback to the government on how it is aligning its policies with the party’s manifesto. That’s the purpose of these meetings. The APC constitution mandates that the NEC meets at least once every quarter, but for two years, no meeting has taken place.”
Seeking Answers from Party Leaders
El-Rufai disclosed that he had sought clarity from former APC national chairmen, including Chief Bisi Akande, Adams Oshiomhole, John Odigie-Oyegun, and Abdullahi Adamu. However, none could explain the party’s current state.
His Words:
“I have visited all of them, Baba Akande, Oshiomhole, Oyegun, and just yesterday, I went to Keffi to see Abdullahi Adamu. I asked them the same question: ‘What is happening to our party?’ But nobody has answers because the party has not met for two years. There have been no conversations.”
Commitment to Politics, But Not Necessarily the APC
Despite his frustrations, El-Rufai made it clear that he has no plans to retire from politics. However, he hinted at the possibility of seeking another political platform if the APC fails to realign with its founding ideals.
His Words:
“I will remain in politics for life, but that doesn’t mean I will keep contesting elections. I believe I have a role to play in influencing what happens in our party so that we have better candidates and better governors. If I can’t find those progressive values in APC, sooner or later, I may have to find another platform to pursue them. But I still hope the party will correct its course.”
Looking Ahead: A Call for Reflection
As the APC prepares to hold a National Caucus and NEC meeting, El-Rufai expressed hope that the leadership would reflect on why the party has deviated from its core principles. He remains optimistic that the APC can return to its roots, though he is prepared to explore other options if necessary.
A Political Stalwart’s Resolve
Nasir El-Rufai’s candid remarks highlight the internal struggles within the APC and his unwavering commitment to political engagement. While he remains hopeful for the party’s revival, his openness to alternative platforms underscores the importance of staying true to one’s principles in the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics.
