Tensions are escalating within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a former minister from Imo State and other prominent party figures, including ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, strategize to exit the ruling party over alleged internal failures.
The Imo ex-minister, whose name remains undisclosed, is reportedly among those dissatisfied with the APC’s leadership and policies.
The ex Minister is also said to be among some party chieftains who either served as top officials or ministers in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari
Similarly, El-Rufai has publicly criticized the party for abandoning its founding principles, particularly after he was controversially excluded from President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial list.
During a national conference on democracy in Abuja, Tuesday, El-Rufai accused the APC of poor governance and a lack of internal democracy.
“No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. It’s no longer a party; it’s a zero-man show,” he said.
He also condemned the party’s leadership selection process, attributing its shortcomings to unqualified delegates. “When you entrust leadership to illiterates and cunning individuals, you end up with the kind of governance we have today,” he added.
El-Rufai lamented that the APC had strayed from its core promises of fighting corruption, rebuilding the economy, and enhancing security.
Insiders reveal that initial discussions with leaders of the Social Democratic Party, SDP leaders have taken place, but the extent of these talks remains uncertain.
However, it is unclear if the defectors may join forces with opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi in a bid to challenge the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
