A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has sounded a note of caution to the ruling party, stating that it cannot afford to lose former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Lagos Reporters reports that El-Rufai recently declared at an event in Abuja that he no longer recognizes the APC, citing a lack of internal democracy within the party.
In response, the APC dismissed El-Rufai’s claims, describing him as a desperate politician seeking political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Igbokwe countered the party’s stance, asserting that El-Rufai is more intelligent, strategic, and bold than all of President Bola Tinubu’s ministers. He lamented that despite his significant contributions to the party’s success in the 2023 elections, El-Rufai was sidelined, particularly when his ministerial nomination was blocked by certain forces within the government.
According to Igbokwe, El-Rufai, alongside former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and another governor, played a pivotal role in countering former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele’s controversial monetary policies, which he alleged were designed to derail Tinubu’s victory.
Expressing his concerns, Igbokwe stated, “APC Nigeria needs the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. He worked tirelessly during the 2023 Presidential and Governorship Elections and played a critical role in ensuring the party’s victory.”
He further criticized the Senate for allowing “interlopers” to frustrate El-Rufai’s ministerial appointment, arguing that the former governor’s vast knowledge and strategic thinking are invaluable assets the APC cannot afford to overlook.
Igbokwe concluded his remarks by warning that sidelining El-Rufai could push him into the hands of rival political parties, a move that could weaken APC’s chances in future elections.