- Joe Igbokwe asserts El-Rufai is smarter and more strategic than all ministers in Tinubu’s administration, highlighting his crucial 2023 election contributions
- APC chieftain criticizes party for blocking El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination and warns against potentially losing a key political strategist
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe has asserted that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, stands above all the ministers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Igbokwe described El-Rufai as “greater, smarter, and bolder” than the entire cabinet.
Defending the former governor following criticism over his recent remarks about the APC, Igbokwe emphasized El-Rufai’s contributions to the party.
El-Rufai, whose ministerial nomination was allegedly blocked by political opponents, had recently stated at an event attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the APC no longer upholds internal democracy.
His comments drew sharp reactions from some of the president’s allies, leading to a wave of criticism.
However, Igbokwe, in a Facebook post, highlighted El-Rufai’s significance in Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 elections. He questioned why some within the government blocked his nomination after he was reportedly selected as Minister of Power.
“All things considered, APC needs Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. He worked tirelessly for APC during the 2023 Presidential and Governorship Elections,” Igbokwe stated.
He recalled how El-Rufai, alongside former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and another governor, intervened against the controversial monetary policies of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, which allegedly aimed to undermine Tinubu’s campaign.
“El-Rufai was nominated as a minister, yet political scheming prevented his confirmation. If fairness had prevailed, he should have been allowed to take a bow and walk away,” he added.
Igbokwe lamented that the APC allowed external influences to interfere with internal decisions.
“Now, let me ask: Which minister in the Federal Cabinet is greater, smarter, bolder, more proficient, and deeper than Mallam El-Rufai?
“Neglecting and sidelining brilliant minds within our ranks is unacceptable. May we never forget this strategic thinker with immense capacity. Malam El-Rufai is a man of significance.
“For whatever reason, the APC must not overlook this great leader. Losing him to a rival party would be a costly mistake. We need him now more than ever. Case closed,” Igbokwe concluded.
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