NIGERIA: El-Rufai Declares He’s No Political Actor, Criticizes APC’s Leadership Structure

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has reaffirmed his stance on governance, stating that he is not one to engage in political pretenses.

Comparing certain politicians to ooo actors, El-Rufai distanced himself from what he described as political theatrics, emphasizing that he remains committed to true governance.

His remarks came in response to a social media post by an X user, #irahabib, who praised El-Rufai’s forthrightness.

The user, referencing El-Rufai’s book: The Accidental Public Servant, remarked that no politician would include the former governor in their cabinet unless they genuinely sought national development.

El-Rufai acknowledged the commendation, stating, “Truly, I don’t know how to pretend. Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not some of us.”

He also quoted former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, highlighting the difference between opposition and governance.

“In opposition, it matters what you say. In government, it matters what you do. And saying is a lot easier than doing,” he said.

El-Rufai recently stirred controversy within his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), after lamenting the absence of internal democracy and party structures.

“I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show,” he declared.

His remarks drew criticism from the presidency, with President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, accusing him of being on a “vengeance mission.”

Bwala urged El-Rufai to abandon his criticisms and reconcile with the party, stating, “They are not borne out of patriotism but need for vengeance. The opposition sees that singular element of vengeance as a veritable tool for your recruitment. I still think you don’t need all these melodramatic activities.”