The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna has refuted claims of any impending suspension of Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of the state. The denial comes in response to reports suggesting that el-Rufai could face suspension for alleged anti-party activities.
Salisu Wusono, the spokesperson for the APC in Kaduna, dismissed these reports, stating unequivocally that there is no such plan in motion. In a text message to TheCable on Tuesday night, Wusono firmly stated, “Nothing like this!”
Speculation surrounding el-Rufai’s political maneuvers intensified after his recent appearances alongside Abdul Ningi, the senator suspended for alleging budget padding, and his visit to the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja. These events sparked debates on social media, with suggestions that el-Rufai might be strategizing for a political shift.
However, the national chair of the SDP, Shehu Gabam, downplayed the significance of el-Rufai’s visit, emphasizing their longstanding relationship predating 1999. Gabam urged against reading political motives into the visit, citing similar interactions with politicians from various parties.
El-Rufai’s pivotal role in the formation of the APC ahead of the 2015 polls adds complexity to the current political dynamics. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State House of Assembly has initiated a probe into the “multi-million dollar loans” taken during el-Rufai’s administration, further fueling speculation and scrutiny surrounding his political activities.
