“El-Rufai is unelectable, can’t win without Buhari” – Presidency mocks ex-Kaduna governor

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s political relevance, stating that he lacks the capacity to unsettle the president.

Speaking on Thursday during an interview with TVC News, Bwala said Tinubu is not losing sleep over el-Rufai’s recent criticisms of his administration.

El-Rufai has been vocal in his discontent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that the party has deviated from its core values.

The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recently stated that he no longer recognizes the APC.

Bwala, however, questioned whether el-Rufai would have expressed the same sentiments if he were part of Tinubu’s cabinet. In response, el-Rufai insisted he would still call out the party’s shortcomings regardless of his position.

When asked if the presidency is worried about el-Rufai’s remarks or the regrouping of opposition politicians, Bwala dismissed such concerns, asserting that Tinubu remains unshaken.

“Who is jittery? The political opponents have no direction. There is no organized political party in Nigeria other than the APC. Almost all opposition parties are trying to find their way,” Bwala said.

He further described el-Rufai as a politician who thrives only when aligned with a “solid revolutionary leader” like former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“El-Rufai needed a strong figure to succeed. On his own, he wouldn’t have won the governorship in Kaduna. His victories were largely due to Buhari’s influence. If he runs for Senate today, he won’t win,” Bwala added.