Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala has cautioned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against what he described as a “vengeance mission,” urging him to reconsider his stance on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai, a prominent APC figure, recently criticized the party for its lack of internal democracy, 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.”
Bwala, who serves as the Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Bola Tinubu, had earlier questioned whether El-Rufai would hold the same position if he were part of the current administration. El-Rufai confirmed he would.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, El-Rufai reiterated that he had no interest in joining Tinubu’s government.
“I was cabinet minister 22 years ago and was clear to Asiwaju that I was not interested in any position in his future government. The pathetic manner all of you latter-day converts to the Tinubu government make an issue of something that I never wanted in the first place is perhaps a reflection of the level of your moral flexibility,” he wrote.
Read also: ‘The jobless Kaduna tyrant is now preaching democracy,’ Shehu Sani aims barbs at El-Rufai
Responding to El-Rufai’s remarks, Bwala rejected the claim that he was a “latter-day” Tinubu supporter, emphasizing that both he and the former Kaduna governor played key roles in securing Tinubu’s presidential candidacy.
“With respect, I am not a latter-day Asiwaju supporter. We both played our roles in his emergence as the 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,” Bwala stated.
He expressed concern over El-Rufai’s public statements, suggesting they stemmed from personal grievances rather than national interest.
“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,” he said.
Bwala urged El-Rufai to resolve his issues with the party internally.
“I still think you don’t need all these melodramatic activities or a vengeance mission. Come back and resolve whatever you think are your grievances like the dignified man that you are,” he advised.
Defending the APC’s structure, Bwala maintained that it remains the most organized political party in Nigeria.
“Our party APC as of today remains the only organized party with identifiable structures across the country. So, if you are looking for any symbol of democracy, it is still in your party. Please, senior, come home; you have toiled all night.”
Bwala also addressed allegations of lobbying for a position in the Tinubu administration. Speaking on Politics Today in November 2024, he denied any such efforts, saying his appointment was a recognition of his commitment.
“No, I didn’t lobby. The last time I was here, I told you when I met him (President) that I had made up my mind to support his cause,” he stated.
He added that Tinubu likely took note of his dedication, saying, “Whatever was his consideration is what I don’t know. But I know that the honour that the President bestowed on me is what I am very grateful for. I am also very committed to ensuring I don’t disappoint Mr President and the Nigerian people.”
