In a recent national conference held in Abuja, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai delivered a compelling critique of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the political party to which he belongs. He expressed deep concern over what he perceives as a significant departure from the party’s founding principles, labeling the current state of governance and opposition in Nigeria as a “national emergency.” His remarks come at a time when the political landscape is increasingly fraught with challenges, and the need for effective leadership is more critical than ever.
El-Rufai’s critique of the APC was pointed and direct. He lamented the absence of internal democracy within the party, claiming that no party organs have convened in the past two years. “I no longer recognize the APC,” he declared, emphasizing the lack of activity within the party’s structures. This stagnation, he argued, has resulted in a situation where it is unclear who is truly in charge, suggesting that the party has devolved into a “zero-man show.” His comments reflect a broader concern about the effectiveness of political parties in Nigeria and their ability to fulfill their roles in a democratic society.
One of the most striking aspects of El-Rufai’s address was his criticism of the quality of leadership emerging from political parties. He attributed the prevalence of poor leadership to the selection process, which he claimed often involves unqualified delegates. “You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders,” he stated, underscoring the necessity for higher standards in candidate selection.
He further argued that the constitutional requirement of a secondary school certificate should not be the only criterion for party nominations, advocating for a more rigorous approach to leadership qualifications.
Reflecting on the founding ideals of the APC, El-Rufai noted that the party was established with the primary goals of combating corruption, rebuilding the economy, and enhancing security. However, he expressed disillusionment, stating that these objectives have been largely abandoned. “The problems that led to the creation of the APC remain unresolved,” he lamented, indicating a growing chasm between himself and the party. This sentiment reveals a deep-seated frustration among some party members regarding the current trajectory of the APC and its leadership.
In addition to critiquing his own party, El-Rufai called upon opposition parties to unite in order to effectively challenge the ruling party and safeguard democracy in Nigeria. He highlighted the internal strife within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, suggesting that there are forces at play aimed at undermining these opposition groups.
“There seems to be a deliberate project to destroy opposition parties,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for a cohesive strategy among all political factions that oppose the current regime.
El-Rufai’s warnings extend beyond mere party politics; he expressed alarm at a recent poll indicating that 75% of registered voters might abstain from participating in the 2027 elections. He characterized this potential voter apathy as a dangerous trend, drawing on his experiences under military rule to highlight the risks of a disengaged electorate.
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“We don’t want a military rule, but we also don’t want civilians behaving like the military,” he cautioned, urging all political actors to recognize the gravity of the situation. In conclusion, he appealed for unity among opposition parties, framing the current political climate as a “national emergency” that requires immediate action to avert a repeat of Nigeria’s tumultuous past.
