Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Bola Tinubu has once again responded to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging him to reconsider his stance against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and return to the party fold.
The exchange between the two came amid El-Rufai’s recent criticisms of the ruling APC and its leadership structure.
LEADERSHIP recalls that El-Rufai had described governance and opposition in Nigeria as a “national emergency’ while speaking at a conference in Abuja on Monday.
He also took a swipe at the APC’s internal operations, 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.”
His comments fueled speculations about his growing discontent with the ruling party, leading to reactions from top political figures, including Bwala.
Bwala, who took to his X handle had questioned the former governor asking if he would have criticised the admission if he was a cabinet member.
Responding on X in Thursday morning, El-Rufai said he would maintain his stance in the administration even if he were a cabinet member and asked Bwala to enjoy his special adviser position but to remember that allegiance to God and country comes first before any person or authority.
Responding to El-Rufai in a statement shared via his official X, Bwala acknowledged El-Rufai’s brilliance but expressed concern over the motive behind his recent statements.
He wrote, “Still my senior brother @elrufai, I am sure you don’t need anyone to tell you about my respect and admiration for you, not just for your brilliance, but also as one of the brightest we have from the northern extraction. I am not stating it for the first time today and you know that.”
However, Bwala accused El-Rufai of being driven by ‘vengeance’ rather than patriotism, arguing that the opposition was using his grievances as a recruitment tool.
“My worry, however, is the motive behind your statements and actions; they are not borne out of patriotism, but need for vengeance. The opposition sees that singular element of vengeance as a veritable tool for your recruitment.”
Bwala also dismissed any notion that he was a last-minute supporter of President Tinubu, reminding El-Rufai of their past political alignments.
“With respect, I am not a latter-day Asiwaju supporter. We both played our roles in his emergence as candidate of the party ahead of the 2023 elections. And before then, whilst you were from the CPC extraction of APC, I was from the ACN, which explains why I worked with Comrade Oshiomhole when he chaired the party amongst other things to protect the interest of Asiwaju, whom at the time you people vowed to retire from politics.”
He urged El-Rufai to step away from what he described as “melodramatic activities” and resolve any grievances through dialogue rather than public confrontations.
“I still think you don’t need all these melodramatic activities or a vengeance mission. Come back and resolve whatever you think is your grievance like a dignified man that you are.”
Despite El-Rufai’s disappointment with APC, Bwala insisted that the party remains the “only organised political structure in Nigeria.
“Our party APC as of today remains the only organised party with identifiable structures across the country. So, if you are looking for any symbol of democracy, it is still in your party.”
Bwala urged El-Rufai to abandon his opposition stance and return to the party fold.
“Please senior, come home; you have toiled all nights,” he concluded.
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