Joe Igbokwe, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has publicly urged former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to remain with the ruling party amidst speculations of his potential defection. Igbokwe emphasized El-Rufai’s foundational role in the APC and appealed to his sense of loyalty and commitment to the party’s ideals.
On February 6, 2025, Igbokwe took to his Facebook page to convey his message, stating:
“Your Excellency, All Things Considered Please Remain In APC. This Is Where You Belong. You Are Not A Toshiba Fan Sir That Blows Left And Right. You Are One Of The Principal Owners Of APC Nigeria. Remain In APC For The Good Of The Commonwealth.”
This appeal comes in the wake of reports suggesting that El-Rufai had been engaging with key figures from opposition parties, leading to widespread speculation about his political future. Notably, El-Rufai was seen in a strategic meeting with Shehu Gabam, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Hamza Al-Mustapha, and Segun Sowunmi, an ally of Atiku Abubakar. The closed-door meeting, held at the SDP Secretariat in Abuja, was said to review the state of opposition engagement in the country.
In response to these speculations, El-Rufai has firmly denied any intentions of leaving the APC. Addressing journalists at a national conference in Abuja, he stated, “I am not leaving the APC. I don’t have such plans.” He further clarified that his recent criticisms of the party were aimed at encouraging internal reforms and were not indicative of any plans to defect. “No, no, no, I want them to change,” he added.
El-Rufai’s criticisms have centered on concerns about the party’s internal democracy and leadership structure. He lamented the lack of active party organs, stating, “I no longer recognise the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.”
These remarks have sparked discussions within political circles, with some interpreting them as signs of El-Rufai’s growing disillusionment with the party’s current trajectory. However, his unequivocal denial of any plans to defect suggests a commitment to advocating for change from within the party.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the APC will address internal criticisms and whether efforts to foster unity and reform within the party will be successful in retaining influential members like El-Rufai.
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