By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has accused former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of spreading propaganda and misinformation following his recent claims that insecurity in the region has worsened under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the Forum dismissed El-Rufai’s allegation that the Tinubu government was paying bandits, describing it as false and misleading. The Forum insisted that insecurity in the North-Central has actually declined since Tinubu took office in 2023.
“The security situation in the country has not degenerated under President Tinubu. On the contrary, he has confronted the challenge head-on and has made considerable progress,” the statement read.
The Forum credited the improvement in security to presidential directives, the deployment of modern military equipment, and sustained operations by the Armed Forces. Notable among these are Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue and Nasarawa states and Operation Safe Haven now Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau and surrounding areas.
It also cited Tinubu’s visit to Benue following attacks in Yelwata as proof of his commitment to the region’s security and welfare.
While acknowledging that armed herdsmen attacks still occur, the Forum noted a sharp decline in both the frequency and intensity of such incidents compared to previous administrations, particularly under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Forum accused El-Rufai of lacking the moral authority to criticise the federal government on security matters, citing his alleged history of paying bandits while governor of Kaduna State.
“This is a man who… encouraged the insecurity that now plagues the North-West by placing terrorists and bandits on salary,” the statement said, adding that the situation in Kaduna has improved under Governor Uba Sani, who, according to the Forum, distanced himself from El-Rufai’s “divisive and oppressive policies.”
The statement also referenced the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who had earlier rebutted El-Rufai’s claims, stating that the government has never paid incentives to bandits.
Reaffirming its support for President Tinubu, the Forum pledged to deliver six million votes from the North-Central in the 2027 elections and warned against any internal opposition within the APC ahead of the presidential primary.
“The party has already endorsed Mr President… Such an action [contesting against him] would amount to disloyalty, and we will protest against it,” the Forum warned.
