The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has dismissed the concerns raised by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) regarding the defection of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his former commissioner, Ja’afaru Sani, to their party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by APC Chairman Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd) and Secretary Yahaya Baba-Pate, the party labeled the SDP’s comments as “vituperations of political non-starters” and criticized them for pushing their luck too far.
The APC further cautioned that by welcoming El-Rufai into their fold, the SDP has “sown the seeds of its own destruction,” predicting that El-Rufai would soon cause discord within the party.
The statement emphasized that El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC was driven by self-interest and a desire to settle political scores with those he believes are responsible for his fall from grace.
The APC reiterated its commitment to fostering democracy, rule of law, and due process, highlighting that it has created a conducive environment for all political parties to thrive in Kaduna State. The party also pointed out that several high-profile politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party had recently joined the APC.
“We believe a vibrant and constructive opposition is essential for strengthening democracy and driving development forward,” the statement read.
The APC also emphasized that Governor Uba Sani’s administration is inclusive and pro-poor, noting that the party’s influence in the state had grown significantly. The APC dismissed claims of political insecurity, stating it had no reason to fear individuals seeking political relevance.
Rather than focusing on tearing others down, the APC urged critics to engage in self-reflection and make amends for their past actions. The party concluded by reiterating its focus on governance and rejecting any attempts to distract it with “non-starters.”
This response follows claims by the SDP that the APC is unsettled by El-Rufai’s defection and is allegedly trying to suppress opposition figures. However, the APC maintains that it remains unshaken and committed to the interests of the people.
