The All Progressives Congress (APC) addressed the absence of Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State.
This discussion occurred during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
This gathering was significant as it represented the APC’s first NEC meeting since August 2023.
Key party stakeholders, such as state governors and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), were in attendance.
However, El-Rufai, who has recently voiced criticism of the ruling party, was absent.
Additionally, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, also did not attend.
Earlier this week, El-Rufai clarified his absence during an interview with Arise TV.
He attributed it to inadequate notice and prior commitments that prevented his participation.
He indicated that these factors prevented him from participating in the meeting.
“Unfortunately, I won’t attend the APC national caucus meeting because I will be on my way to Cairo,” el-Rufai stated.
He emphasized that he spends most of his time in Cairo and did not receive adequate notice.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the party’s constitution requires a 14 to 21-day notice period for such meetings, which he claimed was not followed in this instance.
“If it was given, I don’t think I’d received such an invitation,” he said.
El-Rufai further stated that his absence would not affect his understanding of the meeting’s outcomes.
“Many of my friends will attend and they will give me updates. I don’t think I will miss anything,” he remarked, noting that he had already expressed his concerns about the party’s direction.
In response, Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, dismissed el-Rufai’s claims, stating that the former governor received the same notice as other party leaders who attended the meeting.
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Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today“, Morka emphasized that el-Rufai’s absence was a personal decision.
“Today, there was a roll call of eminent members who attended this meeting,” Morka said.
“The same way notice was sent to el-Rufai, I believe, was how notices were sent to these other members who got the notices and attended.
Many of them don’t live in Abuja but they made plans and traveled to be at this meeting today.
If el-Rufai wanted to be at the meeting, I bet you, he would have come.”
Morka also raised uncertainty about whether el-Rufai is currently a member of the NEC, though he acknowledged el-Rufai’s membership in the party’s caucus.
“I don’t know if he’s a member of NEC. Of certainty, a member of the caucus, but I don’t know that he’s a member of NEC. I mean, I doubt that,” Morka said.
El-Rufai’s recent comments have sparked speculation regarding his loyalty to the APC. Consequently, some observers suggest he might consider leaving the party.
During his interview on Arise TV, he hinted at increasing dissatisfaction with the APC.
However, he refrained from confirming any specific plans to exit.
Moreover, the NEC meeting occurs at a crucial moment for the APC.
It aims to consolidate its leadership while addressing internal divisions.
Finally, El-Rufai’s absence and pointed remarks highlight ongoing tensions within the ruling party.
As a result, the APC navigates post-election challenges and prepares for future political contests.
