The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent criticisms of the party, accusing him of being driven by self-interest and personal grievances.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party dismissed El-Rufai’s claim that the APC had deviated from its founding ideals.
Instead, the party suggested that his frustration stemmed from his failed ministerial bid under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
El-Rufai, in a recent interview with BBC Hausa, alleged that the APC had abandoned its progressive principles, turning into a party where ‘everyone is now pursuing personal interests.’
However, the APC argued that the former governor’s statements were nothing more than an attempt to ‘weaponize personal grievances garbed as principled dissent.’
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The APC insisted that its commitment to progressive governance remains intact and rubbished claims of ideological drift.
The party also questioned El-Rufai’s decision to align with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), asking how it serves as a better ideological alternative.
‘El-Rufai’s allegation of a drift from our Party’s founding values exists only in his foggy imagination,” the statement read.
“His call for opposition members to join him under the SDP banner is nothing short of an invitation to drink from a chalice poisoned by selfishness, vengefulness, and delusion of grandeur.”
The APC also used the opportunity to highlight President Tinubu’s economic and governance achievements, countering El-Rufai’s claims of failure.
According to the party, Tinubu’s administration has implemented bold economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange unification, and customs and tax reforms, which have led to increased foreign direct investments and higher non-oil revenue.
The party further noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s oil production has increased to over 1.8 million barrels per day, and GDP growth surged to 3.8% in Q4 2024, the highest since 2021.
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APC said the country recorded a trade surplus of $14.31 billion in 2024 due to a push for non-oil exports and increased federal allocations have empowered state and local governments to drive grassroots development.
Dismissing El-Rufai’s attacks as ‘grudge-laden tirades’, the APC urged him to either offer constructive criticism or move on with his new political affiliation.
“Rather than engaging in scurrilous propaganda and deliberate misinformation, El-Rufai should offer constructive criticism or alternative policies as expected of serious-minded political opposition,” the statement read.
The party advised the former governor to quit sulking, get a grip, and salvage some respectability.
