In a bold declaration that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has forcefully defended his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that his stance would remain unchanged even if he held a position within the current government.

The political confrontation ignited when El-Rufai, speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja, characterized the state of governance and opposition in Nigeria as a “national emergency.” His candid assessment particularly targeted the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he helped establish, pointing to what he described as a complete breakdown in internal democracy and party structures.

“I no longer recognise the APC,” El-Rufai declared during the conference, highlighting that no party organ has convened in two years. His stark observation that “You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show” drew immediate backlash from party leadership and government officials.El-Rufai Stands Firm on Criticism of Tinubu's Government, Dismisses Cabinet Position Claims

The controversy intensified when Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communications, challenged El-Rufai on social media platform X, questioning whether the former governor would maintain such critical positions if he were part of the administration’s cabinet. This prompted a fierce response from El-Rufai, who revealed he had explicitly informed Tinubu of his disinterest in any governmental role.

In a comprehensive rebuttal, El-Rufai emphasized his extensive public service experience, noting his tenure as a cabinet minister two decades ago. He criticized what he termed “latter-day converts” to the Tinubu administration for attempting to make an issue of a position he never sought, suggesting their actions reflected their “moral flexibility.

The former governor’s response particularly distinguished between constructive criticism and blind loyalty, asserting that his approach to governance issues would remain consistent regardless of his position. If I had remained in the Tinubu government, I will say or do the same on the tragedy within a party I was a founder, and the government that emerged from it,” El-Rufai stated, explaining his preference for addressing concerns first in private sessions before taking them public if necessary.

The exchange has highlighted deeper tensions within Nigeria’s ruling party and raised questions about political loyalty versus public accountability. El-Rufai’s reference to his public service record since 1998 serves to underscore his long-standing commitment to principled leadership and willingness to voice concerns about governance issues.

In a particularly pointed segment of his response, El-Rufai differentiated between legitimate political discourse and what he described as mercenary politics, calling out individuals who receive “humongous monthly stipends from the security vote” to defend government actions regardless of their merit. This accusation has brought attention to the broader issue of political patronage and the role of government critics in Nigeria’s democratic system.

The controversy has sparked significant debate about the nature of political opposition and loyalty within Nigeria’s governing circles. El-Rufai’s assertion that “allegiance to God and country comes first in the human scale of accountability, before any person or authority” resonates with ongoing discussions about political accountability and the role of constructive criticism in governance.

This public exchange between El-Rufai and government officials represents more than a personal disagreement; it illuminates the complex dynamics within Nigeria’s political sphere and the challenges facing the ruling party as it attempts to maintain unity while addressing internal criticisms. The situation continues to evolve, with potential implications for both the APC’s internal cohesion and the broader landscape of political discourse in Nigeria.

As this political drama unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between party loyalty and the responsibility to maintain critical oversight of governance processes, particularly from those who have played pivotal roles in shaping the current political landscape. The ongoing discourse suggests that Nigeria’s political environment remains dynamic, with established figures willing to challenge the status quo even at the risk of political consequences.

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