The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has brushed aside concerns raised by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) over the defection of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his former commissioner, Ja’afaru Sani, calling it a “non-event” and a mere “political sideshow.”
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, signed by APC Chairman Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd) and Secretary Yahaya Baba-Pate, the party ridiculed the SDP’s claims, labeling them as the “vituperations of political non-starters” who have “demystified themselves” by pushing their luck too far.
The APC went on to issue a stern warning to the SDP, predicting that by welcoming El-Rufai into their fold, the opposition party had “sown the seed of its own destruction.” The party further speculated that El-Rufai’s involvement would soon lead to internal chaos within the SDP, with the former governor set to “throw a cat amongst the pigeons.”
Addressing El-Rufai’s defection, the APC stated that the ex-governor’s motivations were driven purely by self-interest, accusing him of seeking to “extract a political ‘pound of flesh’” from those he holds responsible for his political setbacks. Despite this, the APC reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and a political environment where all parties could thrive, especially under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani’s all-inclusive, people-centered administration.
The APC also highlighted its recent influx of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, further asserting that the party’s success in Kaduna State is undeniable. “The movement to our party from significant political figures in Kaduna has been overwhelming,” the statement declared, underscoring that the APC is now near saturation in the region.
In response to the SDP’s claims, the APC stated that it remains focused on governance, dismissing the notion that it is unsettled by the defection of individuals searching for political relevance. “Instead of obsessing over others, they should engage in soul-searching and atone for their past misdeeds,” the statement concluded, maintaining that the APC will not be distracted by political “non-starters.”
This latest war of words between the APC and SDP is set to further fuel political tensions in the state, with both parties positioning themselves for dominance in the upcoming political landscape.
