A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has affirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, remains a significant stakeholder in the ruling party.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, Jamoh addressed growing speculation over El-Rufai’s political allegiance following recent statements linking him with opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jamoh acknowledged El-Rufai’s mention of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) in recent public remarks but insisted that the former governor has not formally exited the APC.
“As far as I’m concerned, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is still with us,” Jamoh said. “Yes, he has referenced the SDP and ADC, but we’ve not reached the point of saying goodbye. He remains someone we consult for his insight and experience. When we seek his advice, he provides it. And if he ever refuses, I believe even God will ask him why.”
Describing El-Rufai as a political institution, Jamoh emphasized his enduring impact on Kaduna’s development and the APC’s evolution. “You don’t disown a child you’ve raised for eight years. He served as a minister under the PDP, joined CPC which became APC, and led this state for two terms. He’s part of our political history,” he noted.
While affirming El-Rufai’s right to make personal political decisions, Jamoh maintained that the APC in Kaduna remains open to him. “Even if he identifies with the ADC today, we’ll wait and see. If he returns, we’ll still welcome him,” he said.
He also downplayed the influence of ADC in the state, saying the party lacks a defined structure and leadership. “We don’t even know who is who in the ADC here. Yes, we hear he’s the North-West leader, but they haven’t made meaningful impact in Kaduna.”
On concerns that El-Rufai’s alignment with an opposition party could threaten the APC, Jamoh dismissed such fears. “El-Rufai can no longer run for governor. The real question is whether the ADC or any opposition party can defeat APC in Kaduna — and the answer is no.”
He added metaphorically, “In Hausa, there’s a saying: when you grind corn, you can’t dump everything in the pot — it’ll be too heavy. APC is too heavy for any party in Kaduna.”
Jamoh challenged observers to conduct independent surveys on the political landscape. “Look at the opposition — who among them can match APC after Uba Sani? We have more than 10 strong candidates. I challenge anyone to check.”
While admitting the party is facing internal issues, Jamoh emphasized that the APC remains Kaduna’s dominant political force and is actively working to resolve its challenges.
“Yes, we have issues — but we’re tackling them. Don’t be misled by talk that people are leaving in droves. Don’t abandon your investment just because you think the opposition can win. Stick with APC. One day, that investment will pay off.”