• Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has criticized Nasir El-Rufai for publicly condemning the All Progressives Congress (APC).
• El-Rufai had labelled the state of governance and opposition in Nigeria as a “national emergency” and accused the APC of straying from its founding ideals.
• Bwala questioned whether El-Rufai would have criticized the APC publicly if he were part of Tinubu’s cabinet.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has tackled Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, over his public criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufai had expressed concerns about the state of governance and opposition in Nigeria, labeling it a “national emergency”.

El-Rufai accused the APC of deviating from its founding principles and fostering poor leadership. He emphasized the absence of internal democracy and active party structures within the APC, stating, “I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing.” El-Rufai also condemned the quality of leadership emerging from political parties, attributing it to unqualified delegates.

Bwala questioned El-Rufai’s motives, asking whether he would have criticized the APC publicly if he were part of Tinubu’s cabinet. This response highlights the ongoing debate within the APC regarding its leadership and direction.