A political exchange has unfolded between former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and Daniel Bwala, a former lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over the former governor’s recent comments and actions.
Bwala, in a public statement directed at El-Rufai, acknowledged his admiration for the former governor’s brilliance and contributions but expressed concerns over what he described as a “vengeance mission.”
“My senior brother, @elrufai, I am sure you don’t need anyone to tell you about my respect and admiration for you—not just for your brilliance, but also as one of the brightest from the northern extraction,” Bwala stated. “However, my worry is the motive behind your statements and actions; they are not borne out of patriotism but rather a need for vengeance.”
He further argued that the opposition perceives El-Rufai’s stance as an opportunity to recruit him against the ruling party. Bwala also emphasized that he has been a longstanding supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, having played a role in his emergence as the party’s candidate in the 2023 elections.
“I still think you don’t need all these melodramatic activities or a vengeance mission. Come back and resolve whatever you think is your grievance like the dignified man that you are,” Bwala advised. “Our party, APC, remains the only organized party with identifiable structures across the country.”
In his response, El-Rufai dismissed Bwala’s concerns, insisting that his actions are not motivated by personal gain or bitterness. He clarified that he had no interest in serving in Tinubu’s administration, a position he had made clear from the outset.
“I was a cabinet minister 22 years ago and made it clear to Asiwaju that I was not interested in any position in his government,” El-Rufai stated. “The manner in which you latter-day converts to the Tinubu government keep making an issue out of something I never wanted in the first place reflects the level of your moral flexibility.”
El-Rufai added that his criticisms of the party and government are rooted in his commitment to transparency and good governance. He argued that even if he had remained in the administration, he would have voiced the same concerns, first in private and then publicly if no corrective actions were taken.
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“I am only responding to you because I still think you are a decent person who may need a job,” El-Rufai remarked. “Enjoy your special adviser position, my brother, but remember that allegiance to God and country comes first before any person or authority.”
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the APC, as some party members continue to express divergent views on the direction of the Tinubu administration and the state of internal party affairs.
