The South South/South West Alliance has called upon the 2023 presidential candidates from the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and his counterpart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to dissociate themselves from the “deceptive politics” of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, who has recently joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a related development, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged el-Rufai to move past his grievances, regain composure, and restore some level of respectability following his exclusion from ministerial positions in the administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
The alliance emphasized that Obi should be aware of the potential harm that aligning with el-Rufai could inflict on his reputation and political ambitions. In a statement issued by Chairperson Ifeoma Efe and Secretary-General Ayodele Toluwa, the alliance cautioned that el-Rufai has established a reputation for utilizing misinformation and manipulation, which poses a threat to the political integrity of both Obi and Atiku.
Furthermore, the alliance urged all political figures to commit to truthfulness and responsible governance, warning that any connection with individuals who engage in deceit could undermine public confidence and weaken the democratic framework of the nation.
The statement concludes: “El-Rufai’s political career has been marred by a series of deceitful tactics and misleading narratives that seek to undermine the democratic process and manipulate public sentiment.
“As a leader committed to transparency and accountability, Obi must not allow himself to be dragged into this quagmire of deceit. Nigerians deserve honest leadership, and any association with figures who thrive on misinformation will only tarnish his image and the ideals he represents.”
It further urged Atiku to clearly distance himself from el-Rufai’s actions, stating: “Political leaders must rise above the fray of petty politics and focus on the good of the nation. By distancing himself from el-Rufai, Atiku will demonstrate a commitment to integrity and the values the Nigerian populace yearns for.”
Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, issued a statement yesterday criticizing el-Rufai for his assertion that he left the party due to its departure from its progressive principles.
Morka argued that el-Rufai’s statement serves merely as a facade to mask personal grievances as principled dissent. The APC believes that the former governor is suffering from the disappointment of not securing a ministerial role, which has led him to express discontent towards the party that facilitated his rise in politics.
The APC emphasized that its dedication to its foundational values and ideals remains as relevant and progressive today as it was at its inception, asserting that el-Rufai’s claims of a departure from these principles exist solely in his distorted perception.
Furthermore, the party described el-Rufai’s invitation for opposition members to join him in the SDP as an appeal to partake in a venture tainted by selfishness, vindictiveness, and an inflated sense of self-importance.
Morka stated: “Nigerians are far more savvy than el-Rufai thinks, and they know that he is driven by raw self-interest rather than a genuine concern for the country.
“Our great party is unfazed by el-Rufai’s grudge-laden tirade. We continue to welcome millions of new members across the country, who are joining to identify with the party’s lofty values and President Tinubu’s bold and transformative policies now birthing sustainable growth and prosperity for our country.”
