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  • El-Rufai defected to SDP in a hurry, says Ex-APC NWC member Lukman

    El-Rufai defected to SDP in a hurry, says Ex-APC NWC member Lukman

    Former National Working Committee (NWC) member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Moh’d Lukman, has criticised the defection of former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), calling it a rushed decision.

    El-Rufai announced his departure from the APC in a statement on his verified Facebook page on Monday, declaring his decision to join the SDP as his new political platform.

    Reacting to the move, Lukman, a political ally of El-Rufai, expressed concern that the former governor’s defection could disrupt ongoing negotiations for a broader political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Lukman acknowledged that El-Rufai’s defection had been anticipated but argued that he should have exercised more patience to allow coalition talks to be finalised.

    “My expectation was that he should have been a bit patient for us to walk out as a group based on the current negotiations,” Lukman said.

    While recognizing El-Rufai’s right to switch parties, the former APC national Vice Chairman (North West) warned that the timing of his defection might have unintended consequences for opposition realignments.

    According to him, “he (El-Rufai) knows better and I do hope his decision is not going to become like a kind of break away from whatever we are doing. My hope is that at the end, we should be able to reconcile and work together under one platform.”

    Read Also: UPDATED: Why I dumped APC, by El-Rufai

    Asked if he would be joining El-Rufai in SDP, Lukman responded, “If only SDP meets the conditions we have set. At the moment, they (SDP) have not met. We are in discussion, no doubt about it. If they meet it tomorrow, fine.”

    On coalition, Lukman said negotiations are ongoing, adding that discussion with the SDP is inconclusive. 

    He said, “I think the discussion about whether SDP will be there or not has been an ongoing thing. The challenge is a question of whether SDP will submit itself to some of the conditions that we believe are necessary. What are these conditions? Frankly speaking, unlike most conventional politicians, most conventional politicians who just want a platform where they will present candidates and use it to win elections, there are a few of us who believe the issue is beyond that. 

    “What Nigerians need is a platform that will promote political competition in the country. If you remember, the problem Nigerians had with PDP is the problem of imposition of candidates. And when the APC came and promised ‘Change’, the expectation of Nigerians is that we will change the culture of imposition.” 

  • 2027: El-Rufai’s defection to SDP no threat to APC’s victory – DOJ coordinator

    2027: El-Rufai’s defection to SDP no threat to APC’s victory – DOJ coordinator

    The national coordinator of the Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ), a political support group, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has dismissed the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), calling it an empty threat to the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections.

    In a statement on Monday, Alawuje downplayed concerns over El-Rufai’s exit, noting that as Nigeria approaches the 2027 polls, political speculations, alliances, and defections are inevitable. 

    He maintained that the APC remains strong and well-positioned to retain power despite shifting political dynamics.

    “However, it is evident that this move is nothing more than an empty threat that holds no real political weight. Thousands of politicians, more experienced and influential than El-Rufai, have already made their way back to the APC, recognizing that the party remains the strongest force in Nigeria’s political arena.

    “There is no political force strong enough to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Those who think otherwise are merely testing their political microphone at a low volume. The so-called coalition of expired politicians seeking relevance will not make any difference. Their efforts resemble a shameful dance to a drumbeat that no one will hear. If they insist on making noise, they will be the ones to dance to their own embarrassment.

    “Since assuming office, President Tinubu has implemented bold and necessary reforms that his predecessors lacked the courage to enforce. If past Nigerian presidents had shown the same determination since 1999, Nigeria would today be competing with leading global economies. The reality is that they all recognized the urgent need for reforms but feared the temporary backlash that accompanies real change.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Why I dumped APC, by El-Rufai

    “President Tinubu has proven to be the most courageous and unwavering democrat of our time. He is a visionary leader on a mission to reshape Nigeria’s future. The progress Nigeria is witnessing today is the result of strategic policies that are already yielding positive outcomes.

    “The so-called opposition figures claiming to fight for the masses have nothing tangible to show for their time in government. Should Nigerians allow them to return to power just to dismantle the strong foundations that Tinubu’s administration has laid? The sacrifices Nigerians have made will not be in vain, as the rewards are already within reach.

    “We are aware of certain political actors who thrive in Nigeria’s tragedies. President Tinubu has succeeded in crippling these forces, many of whom once considered themselves untouchable. Under his leadership, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has remained focused on eliminating banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism across the country, undeterred by external distractions. Some of these opposition figures have even conspired with international elements to undermine Nigeria’s progress, but Tinubu’s administration has proven too strong for them.

    “In 2023, many did not fully understand Tinubu’s vision, but today, millions have rallied behind him. Even those who initially sought to control his administration have been exposed and sidelined. Now, they resort to political ganging up, but Nigerians are wiser than ever before.

    “The 2027 election is a done deal. It will expose and silence selfish politicians who prioritize personal ambitions over national unity. Ironically, many of these opposition figures were once governors, ministers, or vice presidents, yet they failed to uplift the masses they now claim to represent.

    “When you leave a party and your entire political base celebrates your departure, it speaks volumes about your relevance. If your ward, local government, and state party members rejoice at your exit, then who exactly are you leading?

    “The APC leadership must take note. It is time to stop rewarding unknown individuals while neglecting loyal party supporters who worked tirelessly during the campaign. Some of us remain 100% loyal to the party, but the leadership must ensure that dedicated members are recognized and empowered.

    “The 2027 elections will only reaffirm what is already clear: Nigerians trust Tinubu’s leadership, and no amount of political scheming can change that”.

  • We can’t lose sleep over El-Rufai’s defection – Kaduna APC 

    We can’t lose sleep over El-Rufai’s defection – Kaduna APC 

    The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the defection of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), insisting that the move does not concern the party.

    El-Rufai, in a statement on his official Facebook page on Monday, announced his resignation from the APC, effective immediately, after submitting his letter to his ward in Kaduna.

    He accused the party’s current leadership of abandoning its founding principles and undermining internal democratic processes. 

    The former governor cited an increasing misalignment between his personal values and the APC’s direction as his reason for leaving.

    Expressing disappointment, El-Rufai lamented that the APC had strayed from the progressive ideals championed by its founding members.

    According to him, “The developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” El-Rufai said.

    He added that he had privately and publicly raised concerns about what he described as the party’s “capricious trajectory” but noted that his values and those of the APC were no longer aligned.

    Read Also: 2027: PDP governors deny backing El-Rufai, Obi presidential ticket

    “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics,” he said. 

    However, reacting, Alhaji Yahaya Baba-Pate, Secretary of the Kaduna APC, said the party remained unperturbed by the defection of the former governor, saying the party is focused on delivering the state to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027. 

    Baba-Pate , who spoke to journalists in Kaduna on Monday, expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in the state, citing the influx of high-profile politicians joining the party daily in the state. 

    He said, “We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party.Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and governor Uba Sani in 2027.

    “The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party on a daily basis. So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in the state.

    “We are not disturbed and we are not going to lose our sleep over El-rufai’s moves. The party in the state is growing more than before.”

  • UPDATED: Why I dumped APC, by El-Rufai

    UPDATED: Why I dumped APC, by El-Rufai

    Former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    El-Rufai announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday titled: “NIGERIA UPDATE: Onwards to the future”.

    He noted that there was conflict between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.

    El-Rufai further expressed disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of straying from the progressive ideals of its founding members.

    He revealed he had raised concerns about the party’s trajectory privately and publicly over the past two years but found no willingness among the current leadership to address the issues.

    El-Rufai’s resignation from the APC, effective immediately, was submitted to his ward in Kaduna State. 

    He also announced his decision to join the SDP, describing it as the platform for his future political engagements. 

    He called on his supporters and other concerned Nigerians to join him in the SDP, emphasizing the need for a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC.

    El-Rufai said: “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics. 

    “Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party. 

    “On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish. 

    “Founders rightly feel attached towards institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable. I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform,  but I recognize that the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.

    Read Also: PDP Governors deny rumoured El-Rufai/Obi ticket for 2027

    “As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019 and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019, that stood for certain democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building. My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, as well as expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs and attract investments. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.

    “Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities. 

    “Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God. I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.”

  • BREAKING: El-Rufai dumps APC, joins SDP

    BREAKING: El-Rufai dumps APC, joins SDP

    Former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    El-Rufai announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday titled “NIGERIA UPDATE: Onwards to the future”.

    He said: “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics. 

    “Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party. 

    “On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish. 

    “Founders rightly feel attached towards institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable. I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform, but I recognize that the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.

    Read Also: 2027: PDP governors deny backing El-Rufai, Obi presidential ticket

    “As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019 and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019, that stood for certain democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building. My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, as well as expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs and attract investments. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.

    “Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities. 

    “Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God. I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.

  • 2027: PDP governors deny backing El-Rufai, Obi presidential ticket

    2027: PDP governors deny backing El-Rufai, Obi presidential ticket

    • I’m for coalition but remain PDP member, says Atiku
    • APC slams PDP over Udom’s trial, says party lacks credibility

    The Governors’ Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied speculations to the effect that five of its members are supporting a potential Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi presidential ticket for the 2027 election.

    A statement issued by the Director General of the Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, condemned the rumour as “unpleasant and provoking publications” pushed by elements determined to undermine its credibility.

     Agbo asserted that such baseless claims are part of a broader strategy by “negative forces” to question the leadership of the Forum amid ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria.

    The Forum is led by the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.

    According to the statement, “the PDP Governors’ Forum is not in consonance with these actors, neither does it enjoy any ambience of political space to discuss nor seal the auction of the PDP through lowlife grifters who are allegedly working behind the scenes to support a ‘potential Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi presidential ticket in the 2027 election’.

    “As a formidable party, all organs of the party have continually been engaged in attaining reconciliation across the board and reconsolidation of progressive development made in our Subnational to ameliorate the lives of our people.

    “It is obvious that these mischief makers and detractors, who are bewildered at the way and manner PDP Governors are daily performing to pull the people out of economic hardship despite the intimidation by the ruling APC, are only intimidated and can only throw mud at our good works.

    “In the world of politics, rumours and speculations are common. As such, we will not allow these ‘Enemies of Progress’ and ‘Agents of Confusion’ to gaslight the Nigerian people to draw wrong and erroneous conclusions.” 

    According to the Forum, the unfounded allegation is only part of desperate ploys by some factions within the party.

    The statement criticized these actors for their attempts to finance low-willed factions and create a one-party entrapment, aiming to split opposition and subvert democratic institutions.

    Emphasising the PDP Governors’ Forum’s unwavering commitment to the party’s core values—equity, social justice, accountability and the sanctity of the electoral process— Dr. Agbo reassured the public that the body remains united.

    He stressed that irrespective of internal challenges within the PDP, the Forum will support the party’s eventual flag bearer chosen through a disciplined and democratic process to wrest power from what he termed the “non-performers at the centre.”

    The press statement also highlighted ongoing efforts at reconciliation and consolidation within the PDP and denounced the attempts by political opportunists to misinterpret laws and distort party policies for personal gain.

    “The dreams of the founding fathers of our great party will not be in vain,” the statement concluded.

    Atiku: I’m for coalition but remains PDP member

    Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, says he remains determined to see the actualization of a multi-party coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027 but would not defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    A statement by his media office titled “Atiku remains a bona fide member of PDP” and released in Abuja last night, roundly condemned increasing speculations suggesting that the former Vice President is plotting to dump the PDP.

    It said: “We have observed that some news platforms are peddling unverified information that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “We wish to clarify that the so-called news of Atiku defecting to another party is a total fallacy that holds no merit in logic.

    “Recall that Atiku Abubakar had persistently called for a coalition of opposition political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election with the aim of ousting the incompetent and pain-inflicting All Progressives Congress, in order to  give Nigerians a new lease of life.

    “Atiku is still advocating a robust coalition that would accommodate all opposition parties – the PDP inclusive.

    “Hence, it is fallacious and unfounded to allege that the Waziri is jumping PDP ship.

    “Such an allegation is antithetical to the objective of the grand coalition, which the former Vice President is currently driving alongside other prominent political leaders in the country.

    “We, therefore, wish to state unequivocally that Atiku remains a principal bona fide member of the PDP, the main opposition party.

    “Any insinuation to the contrary is contrived to confuse Nigerians about the magnitude of the grand coalition that is at work to rescue Nigeria from the grip of the APC.”

    Udom’s trial: You have no virtue anyone can discredit, APC tells PDP

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday described as unfounded the allegation by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has engaged a section of the media to smear the image of former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, in the ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) trial.

    Read Also: PDP sacks pro-Wike South-South zonal exco, constitutes caretaker committee

    PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Friday, alleged that Akpabio compromised sections of the media to circulate falsehood, misrepresentations and baseless allegations of corruption against Emmanuel with the sole aim of discrediting the opposition party.

    Reacting to the allegation, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement yesterday, said the opposition PDP has lost in the hall of honour, stressing that as an expired and an already discredited party, there was nothing left to be discredited in PDP.

    Exonerating the Senate President of any complicity in the ordeal of the former governor, the ruling party argued that Akpabio remained “laser-focused on weaving a strong legislative pillar of support for the bold and transformative reform agenda of our determined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” than to be involved in Emmanuel’s trial.

    The statement reads: “In its characteristic absurdness, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed that it was privy to “a well-oiled scheme” by His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, to “compromise a section of the media to engage in smear campaign through circulation of falsehood and misrepresentations against Udom Emmanuel, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State,” as part of efforts to “discredit the PDP”.

    “It is rather comical that the PDP thinks itself capable of being discredited when it knows quite well there is absolutely nothing left of it that can be discredited, even by the most strenuous effort.

    “The PDP has done a fantastic job of stripping itself bare of purpose and prestige, and needs no help from anyone, certainly not in the calibre of the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly.”

    Dismissing the allegation, Morka maintained that “the PDP offered no iota of information to substantiate its madcap allegation.  To be clear, the President of the Senate has no involvement in any smear campaign or in instigating the country’s anti-graft agencies against Udom Emmanuel.

    “The PDP and Udom Emmanuel must know that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are agencies with wide statutory powers to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption in our country. 

    “If Udom Emmanuel has been invited by the agencies, he should quietly go and answer to the allegations. It is not, and should not become an occasion for PDP to cast lots or go berserk about imagined political foes they allege may be behind the allegations.

    “Public officials from across political parties and the private sector have faced scrutiny by anti-graft agencies. Udom Emmanuel’s case cannot and must not be an exception.

    “The former Governor should only be concerned about reacting to the allegations and clearing his name.”

    Throwing jabs at the opposition party, Morka argued that one “would think that decrepit PDP would keep itself usefully occupied in search of therapy for its self-inflicted paralysis, and finding a courageous Volunteer Aspirant to fly its tattered flag in the November, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State.

    “The PDP and Udom Emmanuel should leave the President of the Senate out of their hot mess. Senator Akpabio remains laser-focused on weaving a strong legislative pillar of support for the bold and transformative reform agenda of our determined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “

  • PDP Governors deny rumoured El-Rufai/Obi ticket for 2027

    PDP Governors deny rumoured El-Rufai/Obi ticket for 2027

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has denied five of them are supporting a potential Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi presidential ticket in 2027.

    A statement by chairman of the Forum Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) said there was nothing like that. 

    Director General of PDP Governors’ Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, in the statement, condemned the circulating rumours as “unpleasant and provoking publications” pushed by elements determined to undermine the Forum’s credibility.

    The Governors said such baseless claims are part of a broader strategy by “negative forces” to question the leadership capacities of the Forum amid ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria.

    “The PDP Governors’ Forum is not in consonance with these actors, neither does it enjoy any ambience of political space to discuss nor seal the auction of the PDP through lowlife grifters who are allegedly working behind the scenes to support a “potential Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi presidential ticket in the 2027 election”.

    “As a formidable party, all organs of the party have continually been engaged in attaining reconciliation across the board and  reconsolidation of  progressive development made in our Subnational to ameliorate the lives of our people.

    Read Also: Ex-Lagos PDP governorship candidate Adediran dumps party

    “It is obvious that these mischief makers and detractors, who are bewildered at the way and manner PDP Governors are daily performing to pull the people out of economic hardship despite the intimidation by the ruling APC, are only intimidated and can only throw mud at our good works.

    “ In the world of politics, rumors and speculations are common, as such, we will not allow these ‘Enemies of Progress’ and ‘Agents of Confusion’ to gaslight the Nigerian people to draw wrong and erroneous conclusions,” they  stated.

    They dismissed the unfounded allegation as part of desperate ploys by some factions within the party.

    Emphasising the PDP Governors’ Forum’s unwavering commitment to the party’s core values, they reassured the public that the PDP Governors’ Forum remains united.

  • Kaduna commissioner to El-Rufai: God, not you, will decide 2027

    Kaduna commissioner to El-Rufai: God, not you, will decide 2027

    The Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman Lagos, has criticised former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his 2027 comment against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.

    Mamman Lagos, who is one of the strongest allies of Governor Sani, told El-Rufai to steer clear of Kaduna.

    He said only God will decide the winners of the governorship and presidential elections in 2027 and not any individual.

    Mamman Lagos addressed reporters yesterday in Kaduna after all the state’s 255 councilors rose from their one-day meeting and endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Sani for second term.

    Read Also: ICPC warns public servants against leaking classified documents, fraud, others

    The commissioner recalled that when El-Rufai was the head of the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ministry and Kaduna State governor, he was allowed to do his job without other people’s interference, despite his penchant for executing anti-people’s policies.

    He said: “We must set the record straight by reminding all who care to listen that our good and amiable governor (Sani) had never at any time interfere with the running of the state in the previous administration.

    “He concentrated on initiating and passing Bills in collaboration with fellow lawmakers at the Senate and his constituents to make life better for the people.

    “We see no reason he should at this time be distracted by someone who feels he has the monopoly to either make or mar individuals.

  • Omokri is shameless, says El-Rufai

    Omokri is shameless, says El-Rufai

    Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai yesterday categorised ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri among those who lack “total shamelessness”.

    Omokri on Tuesday said the former governor was fingered as a major contributor to the genocide of Southern Kaduna Christians.

    But, El-Rufai yesterday responded to a post on X by Imran U. Wakili, who shared a photo of El-Rufai and Omokri, with the words: “The greatest thing a mentor can offer is the freedom, recognition, and opportunities you need to succeed in life, far more valuable than money.

    “A former minister who noticed you when you were unknown and helped you build a reputation has already given you everything. Unfortunately, wisdom has nothing to do with age!”

    El-Rufai, via his verified handle @elrufai, quoted Wakili’s post, adding the words: “Please Imran, let them be.

    Read Also: Why El-Rufai wasn’t appointed minister by Tinubu – Reno Omokri

    “They are PR consultants and online influencers. It is a new profession thriving in the Renewed Hope era because propaganda can build infrastructure, eliminate insecurity and address our economic challenges.

    “The only qualifications needed to be on the payroll are (1) moral flexibility, (2) total shamelessness, (3) selective amnesia, (4) wretched upbringing and (5) intense craving for quick and easy money. The future doesn’t matter. Integrity is debatable. Truth is out!!”

    Omokri had added that the former governor admitted on multiple occasions to paying killer herdsmen while he was governor.

    Omokri said: “Nasir el-Rufai’s government was indicted in the Zaria Shiite massacre of Saturday, December 12, 2015, where 438 Shiite men, women, children and infants were slaughtered in one of Africa’s worst human rights violations.

    “Additionally, Mr. El-Rufai was specifically cited for demolishing the homes of his political opponents in Kaduna.

    “Finally, his reckless utterances against Christians, whereby on Saturday, January 27, 2013, he insulted Jesus Christ, and on Friday, January 18, 2019, when he said, ‘Even if I bring the Pope, Christians will never vote for me.’”

  • You have no moral right to criticise Tinubu, Northern group carpets El-Rufai 

    You have no moral right to criticise Tinubu, Northern group carpets El-Rufai 

    The Northern Patriots Forum (NPF) on Wednesday criticised former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for his remarks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

    El-Rufai, during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, accused President Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, of orchestrating his failed ministerial nomination. 

    He alleged that it was Tinubu, not any security report, who opposed his appointment, and further accused Ribadu of working against him due to the NSA’s supposed presidential ambition in 2031.

    In a statement signed by its coordinator, Capt. Monday Ishakwu, the NPF rebuked El-Rufai, stating that he had no moral right to attack President Tinubu, given what the forum described as his performance during his eight-year tenure as Kaduna governor.

    The group commended Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that his achievements in less than two years surpass El-Rufai’s entire administration in Kaduna. 

    It also warned El-Rufai to be mindful of his statements, attributing his declining political relevance in the North and his failed ministerial bid to his leadership style and controversial remarks.

    Read Also: Why I didn’t attend APC national caucus meeting, by El-Rufai

    “President Tinubu actually wanted him to join his cabinet. He actually nominated him and sincerely reserved a lucrative portfolio, if he had scaled through the Senate screening.

    “But multiple security reports from security agencies indicted him and suggested he would be a ‘diplomatic liability’, should he eventually emerged a cabinet member of President Tinubu.

    “The agencies cited his controversial past statements and actions. One of such incidents was his 2019 threat to European Union election observers, where he warned, ‘We are waiting for the person who will come and intervene. They will go back in body bags’.

    “Now, he is driven by envy and jealous of the Tinubu’s administration’s laudable reforms, and he is pained that all these great achievements could be recorded in less than 2 years, without him as a Minister.

    “He blames everyone for what his mouth has cost him. It is either he is blaming the Kaduna Governor, or he is blaming Ribadu, or Senator Shehu Sanni, or he is blaming President Tinubu. What an obsession!

    “He has forgotten all his atrocious outings as Kaduna Governor, he never knew all those would come to hunt him after his tenure. He could enjoy constitutional immunity, but he can’t erase the bad impressions on the memories of Nigerians and international community.

    “Nigerians can not also forget in a hurry, his derogatory remarks about Jesus Christ and his 2019 assertion that even if he brought the Pope, Christians will never vote for him”, the statement added