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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has expressed deep regret over his role in the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigeria’s ruling party, admitting that his support for the party in 2015 turned out to be a costly mistake.
According to him, many people had warned him at the time, but he ignored their concerns, only to realize later that their fears were justified.
In a recent interview, el-Rufai stated that his decision to help bring the APC to power is now widely seen e ven by himself as a misstep, given what he described as the party’s failure in governance and poor policy execution.
“Having contributed to bringing about this tragedy to Nigeria, I feel I must contribute to correcting it,” the former governor declared, adding that he owes it to Nigerians to take responsibility for his past political choices.
El-Rufai, who played a pivotal role in the formation of the APC and the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, did not hold back in his criticism of the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He accused the government of flawed policy sequencing and described the quality of decision-makers as “grossly inadequate.”
“Some of the policies are sound in theory, but the sequencing is wrong, and the people implementing them lack the competence to deliver results,” he said.
His comments have triggered sharp reactions from party loyalists. The APC’s national publicity machinery dismissed his remarks as stemming from personal bitterness, particularly after his failed nomination as a minister in Tinubu’s cabinet.
Political analyst and APC supporter, Klien
Malum described el-Rufai as “desperate,” suggesting his outburst is driven by political isolation rather than sincere concern for the nation.
However, el-Rufai maintained that his criticism is born out of patriotism, not ambition. He also hinted at supporting or helping to form a new political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, making it clear that his focus is on national recovery rather than seeking public office.
“I have no interest in running for president. My goal is to help Nigeria recover from the damage,” he said.
The former minister’s rare admission and searing critique have intensified debates within political circles, with many viewing it as a possible turning point in Nigeria’s shifting political landscape.