Nigeria facing unprecedented corruption, insecurity, economic crisis under APC – El-Rufai

• He asserted that state of governance and opposition in the country calls for a “national emergency”, adding that the dearth of quality leadership emerging from political parties is due to unqualified delegates.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has voiced his displeasure at how the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) his managing the affairs of Nigeria.

This is even as he slammed the party for ditching its founding principles and ideals to nurture poor leadership.

El-Rufai spoke on Monday at a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

He stated that the APC has not tackled the problems it was formed to solve and that things have got worse under the party.

El-Rufai disclosed that the APC has become a shadow of itself as chronic lack of internal democracy and active party structures characterised the existence of the party. L

El-Rufai said: “I no longer recognize 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.”

He asserted that state of governance and opposition in the country calls for a “national emergency”, adding that the dearth of quality leadership emerging from political parties is due to unqualified delegates.

He also opined that the constitution’s minimum requirement of a secondary school certificate to vie for public office should not be abrogated for party nominations.

He implored political parties to set higher standards for candidates and delegates.

“You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders. This is why we end up with the poor leadership we have today,” he said.

Reflecting on the party’s foundation, El-Rufai said the APC was originally established to combat corruption, rebuild the economy, and enhance security. He, however, said the goals have been abandoned.

“The problems that led to the creation of the APC remain unresolved, but I no longer believe the APC is interested in addressing them. The distance between me and the party is widening,” he revealed.