Mary Onyia
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister and Governor of Kaduna State, for his recent comments about the party’s leadership during an interview on Arise TV. The remarks, made on Monday, saw El-Rufai condemning the APC’s leadership and questioning the functionality of its internal organs.
At the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, APC spokesperson Felix Morka responded, urging El-Rufai to show respect for his status as a former governor and minister. Morka stressed that if El-Rufai continued to speak out, others would have the right to respond.
Morka further countered El-Rufai’s claims, stating that all organs of the APC were fully operational. He also pointed out that, despite his former roles, El-Rufai only holds one seat in the party, just like any other member.
“Grievance-driven comments should not be taken seriously. It is clear that the former governor has personal issues, and his comments reflect that,” Morka stated. He advised El-Rufai to consider his status and continue to speak in a manner befitting his position, adding, “Men who are respected must also continue to justify the respect they get.”
El-Rufai, who was nominated for a ministerial position in 2023 but had his nomination withheld by the Senate, also addressed his controversial rejection. He dismissed the notion that the National Assembly had blocked his appointment, stating that President Bola Tinubu had ultimately decided against it due to his change of mind.
The former governor’s comments have stirred a strong response within the APC, with Morka urging him to reconsider his public engagements and act in a way that upholds his reputation and the respect he commands.