Former Governor of Katsina, Aminu Bello Masari, has asserted that his erstwhile colleagues in Kaduna and Rivers, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, have lost their political relevance, which is why they are attempting to regroup.
Masari was quick to predict their failure ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that Nigeria lacks a credible alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made these comments on Sunday in Kafur, Katsina State, during the inauguration of the campaign for the forthcoming council elections scheduled for 15th February.
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nigeria, Masari downplayed reports of politicians forming alliances aimed at ousting the ruling APC, labelling it as merely the regrouping of individuals who have fallen from favour within the party.
“The news circulating on social media regarding some politicians teaming up for a merger is nothing more than the regrouping of those who have lost political favour in the APC concerning appointments or patronage,” Masari stated.
He also expressed concern that such distractions might divert the APC’s attention from conceiving and implementing programmes that could alleviate the suffering of the common man.
As a founding member of the APC, Masari reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s ideals. “I am in the APC today, tomorrow, and always, because I am not in the party for any political position or appointment,” he explained.
El-Rufai and Amaechi, both former governors and ministers, recently made headlines by criticising the ruling party at a conference focused on strengthening democracy in Nigeria. El-Rufai remarked that the ruling APC has abandoned its founding principles and is fostering poor leadership. “You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning individuals as your leaders. This is why we end up with the poor leadership we have today,” he commented.
Amaechi added that President Tinubu and the political class would not relinquish power to the younger generation without a struggle.
However, the presidency has responded to the remarks of opposition politicians, branding them as “distractive” and “Machiavellian.”
In a statement on social media, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stated that the comments were intended to create political tension while the President was on official duty in Tanzania addressing Nigeria’s energy concerns.
“While the President was seeking solutions to Nigeria’s energy issues in Dar es Salaam, some ‘wannabes’ were heating up the polity,” Dare posted on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD.
He described a recent political meeting as an attempt to incite hostility, accusing its participants of engaging in undemocratic rhetoric. “Expectedly, it was a gathering convened to spread ill-will. Nothing new emerged from the meeting that differed from the usual opposition script,” Dare stated.
The adviser urged Nigerians to evaluate the records of these “political gladiators” and make informed choices between “political hecklers and genuine progressives.”
Despite the political distractions, Dare emphasised President Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling his electoral mandate. “The only conversation he wishes to engage in now is how to improve the lives of Nigerian citizens and constructive discourse on building a resilient economy,” he remarked.
He further described the opposition’s criticism as premature, given that the next general election is still two years away. “This is 2025, not 2027. Let those who wish to test their popularity with Nigerians wait for the next election,” Dare added.
In dismissing concerns over the opposition’s remarks, Dare reassured citizens that the President remains “undistracted and unperturbed,” highlighting Tinubu’s commitment to democratic governance.
