El-Rufai Blames FG for Opposition Crises
The Nigerian Presidency and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, clashed again on Tuesday over allegations that the Federal Government is behind the internal crises and multiple litigations troubling opposition parties.
El-Rufai made these claims during his visit to the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja. A video of the meeting has since gone viral across social media platforms.
El-Rufai Alleges Government Interference in Opposition Parties
Expressing frustration over the state of opposition politics in Nigeria, El-Rufai alleged that the ruling government is actively destabilizing rival parties, including the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
“The crisis in the Labour Party is contrived and funded by the government of the day. Everyone knows it,” he stated.
According to him, continuous legal battles within opposition parties are tactics used to distract their leadership from their primary objectives.
“The same thing is happening in the PDP. Even the NNPP has been targeted for destruction. There are people who have been resourced to go and cause problems in the NNPP.
“The last thing I read about the NNPP was that one faction expelled both Rabiu Kwankwaso and the sitting governor. Which party sacks its only governor? That’s how you know it’s a planned crisis,” he added.
El-Rufai Dumps APC, Joins SDP Ahead of 2027 Elections
On Monday, El-Rufai officially announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition SDP. He vowed to mobilize against the APC in the 2027 general elections.
He explained that he had made several attempts to address APC’s internal challenges both privately and publicly, but his concerns were ignored. This, he said, led to his decision to seek a new political platform that aligns with his values.
The former APC stalwart also confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter to the party after consulting with his mentors, colleagues, and supporters.
Presidency Dismisses El-Rufai’s Allegations
Reacting to the accusations, the Presidency dismissed El-Rufai’s claims, stating that he was only trying to justify his defection due to personal political ambitions.
Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, described El-Rufai’s remarks as an attempt to destabilize the APC.
“I don’t know anything about that allegation. Is he also saying that the Federal Government is sponsoring a crisis in the SDP he just joined? His journey to the SDP is dead on arrival,” Bwala stated.
He further predicted internal conflicts within the SDP in the coming weeks, saying, “Right now, they are enjoying media attention. But soon, they will start fighting over who gets what position.
“Inordinate ambition is when people believe only they can bring change. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, by God’s grace, will serve two terms, and after that, power will go to a new generation of younger leaders. We have moved past political recycling.”
Political Unrest Ahead of 2027
El-Rufai’s defection and allegations have added to the growing tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. With internal crises rocking multiple parties, political observers expect a fierce contest for power in the coming years.
Patrocinado
Patrocinado
Categorias
Leia mais
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has reserved judgment in the case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, challenging the results of the September 21, 2024 governorship election. The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, concluded the proceedings on Monday, March 3, 2025, after both parties adopted their final written addresses....
Ah, Nigeria – the land of endless opportunities, vibrant culture, and a whole lot of hustle. As we step into 2025, some brands have cemented their place as the heavyweights of the Nigerian market, dominating everything from your morning breakfast to your evening Netflix binge. Let’s dive into the top 10 biggest brands you can’t avoid in 2025. 1. Dangote Group The word...
The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, has raised concerns over the sealing of the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo. Speaking on a live current affairs program on Rave FM on Saturday, Abioye expressed surprise at the development. Despite the action, he confirmed that the local government election had commenced across polling...
The plot that led to the assassination of Nigeria’s former Head of State, Major General Murtala Muhammed, on February 13, 1976, can be traced back to the day he assumed office in 1975. According to former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Muhammed’s refusal to accept a power-sharing arrangement sparked discontent among younger officers, ultimately leading...
The Labour Party (LP) in Osun State has withdrawn from Saturday’s local government election. This was announced by LP Chairman, Mr. Adebayo Bello, on Friday in Osogbo. Bello cited inadequate security arrangements by the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) as the reason for the withdrawal. He called for the election to be postponed for one or two months to allow OSSIEC to make...
