El-Rufai Takes Swipe at APC, Says Party Now Dominated by “Cunning, Illiterate People”

By Emmanuel Kwada

El-Rufai’s scathing critique of the APC has sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape, as he lamented the lack of internal democracy and active party structures within the party. “I no longer recognize the APC,” he said, emphasizing that no party organ has met in two years, leaving a power vacuum that’s essentially a “zero-man show.”

He also attributed the poor quality of leadership to unqualified delegates, stating that having “illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people” as leaders is a recipe for disaster. El-Rufai urged parties to set higher standards for candidates and delegates, exceeding the constitution’s minimum requirement of a secondary school certificate.

He reflected on the APC’s foundation, which was initially established to combat corruption, rebuild the economy, and enhance security, but said these goals have been abandoned. El-Rufai expressed his disillusionment with the party, stating that the problems that led to its creation remain unresolved, and he no longer believes the APC is interested in addressing them. The distance between him and the party is widening, he revealed.

There are internal mercenaries in the PDP and Labour Party, hired to destroy the parties from within. Citing a poll that revealed 75% of registered voters might abstain from the 2027 elections, El-Rufai warned of an impending crisis

El-Rufai also called on opposition parties to unite and form a broad coalition to challenge the ruling party and protect democracy. He alleged that there are internal mercenaries in the PDP and Labour Party, hired to destroy the parties from within. Citing a poll that revealed 75% of registered voters might abstain from the 2027 elections, El-Rufai warned of an impending crisis, emphasizing that this is a national emergency that requires immediate attention. He appealed to opposition parties to set aside their differences and form a united front to save democracy, before history repeats itself.