The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly rejected recent rumours suggesting that he has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a post shared on his X account over the weekend, El-Rufai described the claims as “patent lies,” further stressing that those spreading such misinformation would face legal consequences.
El-Rufai’s response comes in the wake of circulating reports claiming that he had switched political allegiances, a move that, if true, would have had significant political ramifications. However, the former governor was quick to clarify that these reports were completely false.
In his statement, El-Rufai wrote: “Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers.” He made it clear that he had already instructed his legal team to take appropriate action against those behind the spread of the misleading claims.
The defection rumours, which had been circulating for several days, caused a stir in political circles and left many questioning El-Rufai’s political future. However, the former governor’s swift and firm denial sent a clear message that he remains committed to the APC and has no plans to join the PDP.
An aide to El-Rufai also weighed in on the issue, calling the rumours “mischief-making” and stressing that they were baseless. According to the aide, El-Rufai, a long-time member of the APC, would never switch political parties without making a formal public announcement. The aide reiterated that the former governor continues to be loyal to the APC and is focused on supporting the party’s goals and agenda.
El-Rufai’s strong stance against the rumours highlights the growing tension and speculation that often accompanies political seasons in Nigeria. As a prominent figure within the APC, El-Rufai’s loyalty to the party has been closely scrutinised in recent months, especially given the evolving political landscape and the shifting allegiances within the ruling party. However, with his clear denial, the former governor has made it evident that he has no intentions of changing political sides.
The rumours of El-Rufai’s defection to the PDP came at a time when political realignments are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria, with many politicians shifting parties in search of new opportunities or better political prospects. However, the former governor’s quick response suggests that he is not part of this trend and remains steadfast in his commitment to the APC.
It is worth noting that El-Rufai has been an influential figure within Nigerian politics for many years. During his time as governor of Kaduna State, he gained a reputation for his bold and often controversial decisions, earning both praise and criticism from various quarters. His tenure was marked by efforts to transform Kaduna’s economy, infrastructure, and education system, though his policies were often met with resistance from some factions within the state.
El-Rufai’s role in national politics has also been significant. As a key ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, he has been a vocal advocate for the APC’s policies and vision. His influence within the party has made him a formidable figure, and any move to switch allegiances would have been seen as a major shift in the party’s power dynamics.
Despite the defection rumours, El-Rufai’s supporters have remained loyal to him, expressing confidence in his leadership and political vision. His long-standing affiliation with the APC has cemented his position as one of the party’s leading figures, and many believe that his political career is far from over.
While the defection rumours have now been debunked, the controversy highlights the challenges that public figures like El-Rufai face in an era of misinformation and fake news. In today’s fast-paced digital age, rumours can spread quickly, and politicians are often forced to address them head-on in order to protect their reputations and maintain public trust.
For now, El-Rufai’s political future appears secure within the APC, as he continues to serve as a prominent voice in Nigerian politics. However, the landscape remains fluid, and the possibility of future political developments cannot be ruled out.
As the former governor takes legal action against those responsible for the fake news, the episode serves as a reminder of the power of misinformation and the importance of accountability in the digital age. El-Rufai’s swift response underscores his determination to defend his political integrity and to protect his legacy within the APC.
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