Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, has dismissed claims that former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai has the political strength to unsettle President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Thursday during an interview with TVC News, Bwala said Tinubu remains unbothered by el-Rufai’s persistent criticisms of his administration.
El-Rufai’s Criticism of APC
El-Rufai has recently taken aim at key figures within the Tinubu administration, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of straying from its founding principles. He stated that the party has lost its identity and no longer represents the ideals it once stood for.
In response, Bwala questioned whether el-Rufai would have held the same views had he been offered a position in Tinubu’s cabinet. The former governor, however, insisted that he would continue to speak his mind regardless of any political appointments.
‘El-Rufai is Unelectable Without a Strong Leader’
When asked whether the presidency is concerned about el-Rufai’s comments or the regrouping of opposition politicians, Bwala dismissed the notion, asserting that Tinubu remains focused on governance.
“Who is jittery? The political opponents have no direction. There is no organized political party in Nigeria other than APC. Almost all opposition parties are still trying to find their way,” Bwala said.
He emphasized that Tinubu has maintained a conciliatory approach since assuming office and has never engaged in combative politics.
Bwala further argued that el-Rufai lacks the independent political strength to shake Tinubu’s administration. He claimed that the former governor’s past electoral victories were largely due to his alignment with Muhammadu Buhari.
“There is a dynamic around el-Rufai. He thrives when he aligns with a solid revolutionary leader. On his own, he may not even win a Senate seat,” Bwala stated.
He added that el-Rufai’s governorship victories in Kaduna were largely driven by the Buhari factor, and without that support, he would struggle electorally.
Bwala concluded that neither el-Rufai nor any opposition coalition has the capacity to unsettle the Tinubu administration.
