JUST-IN: El-Rufai replies Bwala, says he’d still criticise APC even if he was in Tinubu’s government,

• Recall that Daniel Bwala accused Nasir el-Rufai of attempting to overthrow the current administration.
• Bwala’s comments came after el-Rufai criticised the APC for allegedly abandoning its core values and promoting ineffective leadership.

The former Kaduna state governor, Nasir el-Rufai,
has responded to Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on policy communication.

El-Rufai criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 28, stating that the party has “strayed away from its core values.”

He expressed that he no longer recognizes the APC, citing the lack of party meetings in two years.

“I am a founding member of the APC, but I no longer identify with the party,” el-Rufai said at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

“No party organ has met in two years, and I’m unsure if it’s a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.”

Bwala reacted to el-Rufai’s comments, asking if his perspective would change if he were part of Tinubu’s cabinet.

On August 7, 2023, the senate withheld el-Rufai’s confirmation as minister due to security clearance issues.

El-Rufai responded to Bwala on January 30, stating, “the pathetic manner all of you latter-day converts to the Tinubu government make an issue of something that I never wanted in the first place is perhaps a reflection of the level of your moral flexibility.”

“If I were part of the Tinubu government, I would still express my concerns about the party’s direction,” el-Rufai added.

El-Rufai mentioned that he informed Tinubu he wasn’t interested in any position in his government.

“I was a cabinet minister 22 years ago, and I made it clear to Asiwaju that I wasn’t interested in any position in his future government.”

El-Rufai advised Bwala to enjoy his current role. “I’m responding to you because I think you’re a decent person who may need a job.”

“Enjoy your special adviser position, but remember that allegiance to God and country comes first,” el-Rufai said.

In another tweet, el-Rufai stated, “It’s clear that the APC has left me stuck in the ideals and visions of its founding fathers and mothers.”

“What do you suggest I do?” el-Rufai asked. “Our party and nation are facing an existential crisis.”