Aminu Bello Masari, the former Governor of Katsina, has claimed that his former colleagues, Malam Nasir El-Rufai from Kaduna and Rotimi Amaechi from Rivers, have lost their political significance, which is prompting them to regroup.
Masari confidently forecasted their impending failure ahead of the 2027 general election, asserting that Nigeria currently lacks a credible alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These remarks were made on Sunday in Kafur, Katsina State, during the launch of the campaign for the upcoming council elections set for 15th February.
As a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Masari dismissed the notion of politicians forming alliances to challenge the ruling APC, characterising it merely as the regrouping of those who have fallen out of favour within the party.
“The chatter on social media about politicians collaborating for a merger is simply the gathering of individuals who have lost political favour within the APC regarding appointments or patronage,” Masari asserted.
He also voiced concerns that such distractions could divert the APC’s focus from developing and implementing initiatives aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by the common man.
As a founding member of the APC, Masari reaffirmed his dedication to the party’s principles. “I am committed to the APC today, tomorrow, and always, as I am not in the party for any political position or appointment,” he stated.
El-Rufai and Amaechi, both former governors and ministers, recently made headlines by criticising the ruling party at a conference aimed at strengthening democracy in Nigeria. El-Rufai pointed out that the ruling APC has strayed from its foundational principles and is promoting inadequate 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 witness today,” he remarked.
Amaechi further claimed that President Tinubu and the political elite would not willingly relinquish power to the younger generation without a struggle.
In response, the presidency has labelled the opposition politicians’ comments as “distractive” and “Machiavellian.”
In a statement shared on social media, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, indicated that the remarks were intended to incite political tension while the President was on official duty in Tanzania addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges.
“While the President was seeking solutions to Nigeria’s energy issues in Dar es Salaam, some ‘wannabes’ were stirring up discord,” Dare posted on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD.
He characterised a recent political meeting as an attempt to foment hostility, accusing its attendees of engaging in undemocratic rhetoric. “As expected, it was a gathering convened to spread ill-will. Nothing new emerged from this meeting that differs from the usual opposition narrative,” Dare stated.
The adviser encouraged Nigerians to scrutinise the records of these “political gladiators” and make informed decisions between “political hecklers and true progressives.”
Despite the political distractions, Dare underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering on his electoral promises. “The only conversation he wishes to focus on now is how to enhance the lives of Nigerian citizens and engage in constructive discussions about building a resilient economy,” he remarked.
He further described the opposition’s criticisms as premature, considering that the next general election is still two years away. “This is 2025, not 2027. Those wishing to test their popularity with Nigerians should wait for the next election,” Dare added.
In dismissing worries over the opposition’s remarks, Dare reassured citizens that the President remains “undistracted and unperturbed,” highlighting Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to democratic governance.
