Nasir El-Rufai’s Critique of the APC: An Examination of Leadership, Governance, and Internal Party Dynamics in Nigeria
The APC and Its Ideological Decline
The All Progressives Congress (APC) was founded in 2013, emerging from a coalition of opposition parties that sought to challenge the dominance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had governed Nigeria for 16 years. The APC’s founding ideals were rooted in promises of fighting corruption, revitalizing the economy, and addressing the severe security challenges that the country faced at the time. These principles made the party appealing to many Nigerians who had grown disillusioned with the longstanding rule of the PDP.
The APC’s rise to power in 2015 was heralded as a turning point in Nigeria’s political history. It marked the first time in the nation’s democratic history that an incumbent party was defeated in a presidential election, a feat that many Nigerians viewed as a victory for democracy. The APC’s victory was, in part, attributed to its pledge to end corruption, revamp the economy, and ensure security for Nigerians.
However, the recent remarks by Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, indicate that the APC has strayed far from its original objectives. El-Rufai, who was a key figure in the party’s formation and an influential member during its rise to power, has voiced strong discontent with what he perceives as a fundamental departure from the party’s core values. His recent statements reflect the frustration of many Nigerians who feel that the party has failed to live up to the promises it made during its formative years.
In a national conference held in Abuja, El-Rufai described the APC as a party that had abandoned its foundational goals. He lamented that the party, once poised to bring about transformative change, had degenerated into a vehicle for personal and partisan interests. The former governor’s criticism focuses on the party’s failure to address critical issues such as corruption, economic revitalization, and security, which were central to its electoral campaign in 2015.
The APC’s decline is not merely a matter of failed promises but also an issue of governance and leadership quality. Under the APC’s rule, Nigeria has continued to face rising corruption, an economic downturn, and an increasing insecurity problem. These issues have led many to question whether the party’s leadership is truly committed to the ideals it once espoused. For El-Rufai, the APC’s failure to address these challenges has marked a stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded the party’s initial rise to power.
The ideological decline within the APC is particularly concerning given the high expectations that were placed on the party when it assumed office. Many Nigerians believed that the APC would usher in a new era of transparency, economic prosperity, and security, but instead, the country has experienced stagnation in key areas of governance. El-Rufai’s criticisms suggest that the APC has become a party focused more on maintaining power than on fulfilling its founding mission.
The Crisis of Internal Democracy within the APC
A significant aspect of El-Rufai’s critique is the absence of internal democracy within the APC. He pointed out that for the past two years, the party’s leadership has failed to convene any significant meetings or engage in substantive discussions with party members. No caucus sessions have taken place, and the National Executive Committee (NEC) has been effectively inactive. El-Rufai’s comments underscore a fundamental problem within the APC: the lack of internal governance structures that ensure democratic participation and accountability.
Internal democracy is essential for any political party to remain responsive to its members and the wider electorate. It provides a platform for debate, decision-making, and the development of policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people. When internal democracy is absent, a party risks becoming a monolithic entity controlled by a small group of individuals. This can lead to the erosion of democratic values within the party and, by extension, the country.
For the APC, the absence of internal democracy has raised concerns about the party’s future viability. El-Rufai’s observation that no meaningful discussions have taken place within the party for two years suggests that the APC has become increasingly dysfunctional. The lack of engagement between the party’s leadership and its members means that the APC is no longer a dynamic political force capable of adapting to the changing political landscape.
This crisis of internal democracy also has implications for the party’s ability to effectively contest elections. Political parties are not just vehicles for winning elections; they are also institutions that must remain in touch with their members and the public. Without internal democracy, the APC risks becoming out of touch with the concerns and needs of the electorate. This could significantly affect the party’s performance in future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai’s remarks highlight the importance of revitalizing internal democracy within the APC if the party hopes to maintain its relevance in Nigerian politics. The lack of internal cohesion and the failure to engage in meaningful dialogue with members could further alienate the party from the Nigerian people, particularly as the country approaches the next round of elections.
The Impact of Leadership Quality on Nigerian Governance
In his critique, El-Rufai also addressed the issue of leadership quality in Nigerian politics. He expressed concern about the caliber of candidates and leaders emerging from political parties, particularly the APC. El-Rufai argued that the low standards of delegates responsible for selecting candidates have contributed to the election of unqualified leaders. In his view, political parties cannot afford to allow illiterates, semi-illiterates, or self-interested individuals to occupy positions of power.
The quality of leadership in Nigeria has long been a point of contention. Over the years, the country has witnessed a series of poor governance decisions, characterized by corruption, mismanagement, and an inability to effectively address the country’s most pressing issues. This has led many Nigerians to question the competence and commitment of their leaders, especially those who have been elected through flawed processes.
El-Rufai’s criticism of the selection process within political parties reflects a broader concern about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s political system. He called for political parties to raise the standards for both delegates and candidates, emphasizing that the minimum educational requirement for political office should be higher than the current constitutional standard of a secondary school certificate. In a country facing complex challenges, the selection of leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and integrity is crucial for effective governance.
The failure of political parties to select competent leaders has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s development. Poor leadership contributes to the country’s ongoing struggles with corruption, insecurity, and economic instability. By advocating for higher standards in leadership selection, El-Rufai is urging Nigerian political parties to take responsibility for ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to represent the people.
El-Rufai’s call for reform in leadership selection is part of a larger conversation about the need for political reform in Nigeria. The country’s political system must evolve to meet the demands of its rapidly changing society. Raising the standards for leadership would be a critical step in ensuring that Nigeria’s future leaders are capable of addressing the country’s many challenges.
The Crisis of Public Trust: Will Nigerians Boycott the 2027 Elections?
Another central issue raised by El-Rufai is the growing crisis of public trust in Nigeria’s political system. El-Rufai referenced a recent poll that suggested as many as 75% of registered voters might abstain from participating in the 2027 general elections. This statistic paints a bleak picture of the state of Nigerian democracy and underscores the deepening disillusionment among the electorate.
Voter apathy is a serious problem in many democracies, but in Nigeria, it is particularly concerning given the country’s history of low voter turnout. Apathy toward the electoral process often stems from a lack of trust in political institutions and a perception that elections are neither free nor fair. Many Nigerians feel that their votes do not count, as the political system is often marred by corruption, electoral fraud, and a failure to deliver on campaign promises.
El-Rufai’s warning about the potential for mass voter abstention in 2027 reflects the growing frustration among Nigerians with the political status quo. If such a high percentage of the electorate chooses to disengage from the political process, the legitimacy of the elections could be called into question. A government elected under such circumstances may lack the mandate of the people, which could lead to instability and further disenchantment with the political system.
Addressing this crisis of trust will require meaningful reforms that restore faith in the electoral process. Political parties must work to ensure that elections are free, fair, and transparent. Additionally, the government must address the root causes of voter disillusionment, including corruption, poor governance, and the failure to deliver on the promises made to the electorate.
El-Rufai’s warning about the potential consequences of mass voter abstention is a call to action for political leaders and institutions to take the necessary steps to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democracy. Without the active participation of the electorate, the political system will struggle to function effectively and represent the interests of the people.
Responses to El-Rufai’s Critique
El-Rufai’s social media post, in which he outlined his criticisms of the APC, quickly garnered attention. One notable response came from Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communications and Media. Bwala questioned the motivations behind El-Rufai’s critique, suggesting that the former governor’s comments might be driven by personal or political interests rather than a genuine concern for the country’s well-being.
Bwala asked whether El-Rufai would have expressed the same position had he remained in government or the cabinet. This question reflects a common criticism of politicians who, after leaving office, suddenly become outspoken critics of the government they once served. Bwala’s comment implies that El-Rufai’s critique may not be entirely objective and could be shaped by his own political ambitions or rivalries within the APC.
El-Rufai’s response to these criticisms has further highlighted the divisions within the APC. The party is currently grappling with internal conflicts, with different factions vying for control and influence. These tensions are not unique to the APC; they are characteristic of many political parties in Nigeria, where power struggles often undermine the ability to govern effectively.
The responses to El-Rufai’s critique reflect the underlying political rivalries within the APC and the broader Nigerian political landscape. These tensions will likely play a significant role in shaping the party’s trajectory in the coming years, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
