The All Progressives Party (APC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to its founding values and progressive ideals, refuting claims made by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna State.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Mr Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, responded to El-Rufai’s recent comments.
El-Rufai had accused the APC of straying from its original principles and transforming into a party driven by personal interests.
Morka rejected these claims, asserting that the APC remained committed to its founding values and progressive ideals.
He further emphasised that in spite of El-Rufai’s departure, the party continued to attract new members who were aligned with its values and vision for Nigeria’s transformation.
El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stated in a recent interview that the APC had abandoned its progressive ideals, focusing instead on private interests rather than public welfare.
Morka dismissed these claims, labeling El-Rufai as a self-serving politician, blinded by ego and driven by personal grievances.
He emphasised that the former governor’s dissatisfaction stemmed from his failure to secure a ministerial position under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“His assertion that he left because the APC deviated from its founding values or progressive ideology is merely a cover for his personal frustrations.
“El-Rufai appears to be acting out of hurt after failing to land a ministerial post, and his attacks on the APC are fuelled by a bruised ego,” Morka said.
Morka further emphasised that in spite of El-Rufai’s departure, the APC continued to attract millions of new members across the country, all of whom were drawn to the party’s values and its commitment to transforming Nigeria.
The APC spokesman also dismissed El-Rufai’s claims about the failure of President Tinubu’s administration, calling them baseless and misleading.
Morka argued that Nigerians were witnessing real progress under Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in areas such as economic reform, good governance, and the delivery of key campaign promises.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is better off today than when he took office.
“From the removal of the fuel subsidy, which now saves the country an estimated N4 trillion annually, to the unification of exchange rates, tangible progress is being made,” Morka stated.
He further added that the unification of exchange rates had led to a surge in foreign exchange inflows, contributing to the country’s ongoing economic improvements.
He also highlighted the country’s growing foreign reserves, the increase in non-oil revenues, and the remarkable boost in oil exports, all of which demonstrated the success of Tinubu’s policies.
Morka urged El-Rufai to move past his grievances and focus on offering constructive feedback, rather than resorting to negative rhetoric aimed at undermining the country’s progress.
“El-Rufai is free to choose his political affiliation, but he should stop sulking and regain some respectability,” the APC spokesman said.