BY NONYE JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has declared that former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, remains a committed member of the ruling party.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna after a strategic tour of the eight local government areas in the Kaduna North Senatorial Zone, Jamoh dismissed rumours of El-Rufai’s defection, describing such reports as mere political speculation.
He said the tour was part of efforts to mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, ahead of the forthcoming by-election and the 2027 general elections.
Jamoh explained that despite recent speculations linking El-Rufai with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the former governor remains a critical pillar of the APC, adding that his wealth of experience is still being tapped by the party.
“As far as I am concerned, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is still with the APC. We have not reached the point where we will bid him farewell. Forget the political noise — when we need his advice, we consult him and he offers his input without conditions,” he stated.
He further described El-Rufai as a political asset who helped build the APC over the years. “You cannot disown a child you raised for eight years. He governed Kaduna State under the APC for two terms. Even before then, as a member of the PDP and CPC, which later merged into APC, he made significant contributions to the structure we now have.”
Commenting on the reports linking El-Rufai to the ADC, Jamoh said, “You don’t name a child until the delivery is successful. Let’s see how that process ends — who becomes their leader, who emerges as presidential candidate, what structure they come up with. Until then, we watch.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, describing the party as the undisputed “field marshal” of Nigerian politics.
“In politics, defections are normal. But let me assure you that APC remains the field marshal in Kaduna and across Nigeria. Have you ever seen a field marshal frightened by a non-commissioned officer?” he asked rhetorically.
Speaking on the political alliance between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, Jamoh said the partnership remains strong and must be preserved for the future.
“The Tinubu-Uba Sani alliance is a political marriage. Even when your wife is no longer young, you don’t throw her out. You manage and nurture the relationship. That is how we see this political partnership,” he said.
He also confirmed mounting pressure from constituents urging him to vie for the Kaduna North Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.
“Yes, my constituents have reached out to me, calling on me to contest. I have written to party stakeholders, seeking their advice and prayers”.
While urging party members to remain united and focused, Jamoh called on stakeholders to shun distractions and work towards sustaining the party’s dominance.
“This is not the time for distractions. Let’s consolidate our gains and ensure continuity in governance. APC is still the party to beat”.
