Nigerians React as El-Rufai’s Fake Patriotism Meets Bwala’s Shameless Retort

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has stirred reactions by calling out the All Progressive Congress (APC) for abandoning its founding principles and failing to deliver competent leadership.

Speaking at a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, El-Rufai described the state of governance and opposition as a “national emergency,” urging immediate action to salvage the nation’s democratic future.

He accused the party of becoming dysfunctional and lamented the decline in internal democracy, arguably because he had been excluded in the Tinubu-led administration.

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,” he said.

Triggered by El-Rufai’s statement, Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ‘s Atiku Abubakar, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu as a part of his media team, responded to El-Rufai’s criticism. Bwala questioned the former governor’s motives, commenting: 

My Senior brother, if you were to be in the government and cabinet, would you have held and expressed the same position? History is replete with examples. It is a government you participated in its formation, that you now want to unseat. Haba Mallam, a Ji soron Allah mana.

Some Nigerians noted that El-Rufai’s remarks can be interpreted as an outburst of a frustrated patriot, disenchanted by what he perceives as the betrayal of the APC’s founding vision. His plea for higher standards in governance and leadership and Bwala’s need to defend his new paymasters generated reactions from Nigerians who read through their facade.

Many questioned Bwala’s moral rights to respond to El-Rufai’s statement, while others mocked the former governor for being relegated in a party he fought tooth and nail for.

Referring to El-Rufai, @SenBeejay said, “Let him try his best. god knows best. Without him, at least Southern Kaduna is peaceful,” celebrating the relative peace being enjoyed in the region after El-Rufai’s inaction and complicity in attacks in the area during his tenure.

@betacuntri said, “El-Rufai lamented the lack of internal democracy and active party structure within the APC, saying, ‘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.’

“All these because he’s not in the government. Don’t worry. Tinubu will inculcate you soon, so trust me. Just that, you are a religious bigot and will relegate Christians if given the opportunity. Change your ways. Understand that all humans are equal. Give Equal opportunities to everyone.”

Another person, @UIShehu_, said, “Honestly, this is a major issue that should be taken seriously. Illiterates in leadership think they’re the best people for the job because they believe the educated ones can do terrible things for power.

“Respectfully, I have a question for Malam: if Malam gets the chance to become president or vice president or hold any significant political role again, will he involve educated people in his administration?

“There is a saying that a cock does not cry in daylight. Either the kite is lurking nearby, or a python has invaded its habitat. Let’s wait and see which one it is,” @anasuachara said, questioning El-Rufai’s statement’s integrity.

On the other hand, critics of Bwala described his response as opportunistic and shameless. Having crossed party lines and recently benefited from an appointment in the current government, his defence of the administration is a display of loyalty driven by personal gain rather than principles. His retort, which sought to question El-Rufai’s sincerity, dismissed the actual gravity of the issues raised by the former governor.

One @Nrs_Idreeserh commented, saying, “Tell these statements to your being. If you weren’t given a post, would you be praising Tinubu?”

@Binazaran said, “My learned brother if you were not in the government and cabinet, would you have asked or expressed the same statement? History is replete with examples. It is a government you opposed in its formation that you now serve. Haba lauya, a ji soron Allah mana.”

Also reacting to the post, Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar, noted that:

Is @BwalaDaniel suggesting that it was wrong of @elrufai to demand more from his own party, the APC? The only thing common between a Patriot and Sycophant is the letter “P”. This is the same shameless Bwala who ate his own vomit like a village dog with relish.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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