By Usman Muhammad Ameer
Senator Shehu Sani has dismissed Nasir El-Rufai’s departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling it a “good riddance” from a toxic influence. Sani believes the party can now breathe a sigh of relief and rebuild without El-Rufai’s divisive leadership.
El-Rufai’s decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) marks the end of an era for the APC in Kaduna State. Sani argues that El-Rufai’s tenure was marked by a series of missteps, which ultimately led to the party’s decline in the state.
Shehu Sani lamented that under El-Rufai’s watch APC lost all senatorial zones and secured only three out of 14 House of Representatives seats.
The writing was on the wall during the presidential election, where the APC’s candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, trailed behind Atiku in Kaduna State. Sani contends that El-Rufai’s leadership was the root cause of the party’s struggles, driving away supporters and factionalizing the party.
In a related development, Reno Omokri, a popular public commentator and critic, has hailed former President Buhari’s stance on the APC and for shunning El-Rufai. Omokri praised Buhari for reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, demonstrating his commitment to the country’s unity and putting the nation’s interests above ethnic loyalty.
Omokri commended Buhari’s bold move, stating that the former President has sent a strong signal that he prioritizes the country’s unity. This move is seen as a significant blow to El-Rufai’s ambitions, who had recently defected to the Social Democratic Party. According to Omokri, El-Rufai’s actions expose him as a disgruntled schemer fighting for his own relevance rather than the interests of Arewa.
Furthermore, Omokri pointed out that El-Rufai’s plan to become a powerful minister by aligning with President Bola Tinubu has failed spectacularly. With Buhari’s rejection, El-Rufai’s chances of achieving his ambitions appear to be dwindling.
It’s worth noting that Omokri’s praise for Buhari’s reaffirmation of faith in the APC is significant, given his previous criticisms of the former President. This development highlights the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, where alliances and loyalties can shift rapidly.