Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has firmly rejected rumors about his potential departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a press encounter on Tuesday at the recently concluded National Conference in Abuja, he explained his tough stance on the party.
“I am not leaving the APC. I don’t have such plans,” he stated confidently.
When pressed for more details about his criticism, he insisted, “No, no, no, I want them to change.”
Reports on Monday revealed El-Rufai criticized the APC, claiming it strayed from its original principles and exhibited poor leadership.
He expressed disappointment over the supposed absence of internal democracy and active party structures within the APC.
“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’s a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show,” he lamented.
To strengthen democracy in Nigeria, the conference urged opposition parties to unite and form a powerful coalition against the APC.
This coalition aims to enhance their effectiveness in challenging the ruling party in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Additionally, the conference urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to permit the registration of new political parties as outlined in the constitution.
Various civil society organizations, including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development, and the Centre for Democracy and Development, organized this two-day National Conference.
Ezenwa Nwagwu, one of the conveners, conveyed the conference’s message, stating that 25 years of democracy in Nigeria hasn’t deepened democratic values or institutions. Instead, issues like electoral malpractice, weak governance, and corruption have diminished public trust.
He emphasized that political parties must adopt innovative fundraising strategies to ensure financial independence and sustainability, thus reducing corruption and state capture risks.
“Opposition parties must unite to create a strong coalition that ensures accountability, promotes checks and balances, and fosters healthy political dialogue for democracy’s integrity,” he added.
Ezenwa also suggested that INEC should review its processes to include ward-level results collation, ensuring strict adherence to electoral guidelines.
He emphasized the need to incorporate technology into the electoral process, improving transparency and accountability to meet global standards.
This integration aims to ensure that elections are credible and trustworthy, fostering public confidence in democratic practices.
“INEC should fulfill its role in strengthening political parties through regulation, ensuring that internal democracy is firmly established,” he stated.
Ezenwa urged the legislature to actively carry out its responsibilities, as a functional legislature is critical for a healthy democracy.
“The National Assembly must prioritize proposals aimed at reforming the electoral process, including addressing the ‘winner-takes-all’ system,” he noted.
Given the approaching elections, he stressed that reviewing the Electoral Act should be a priority for the National Assembly.
Finally, the conveners agreed that electoral offenders need prosecution under the law, believing it would deter future violations.