BWALA ACCUSES EL-RUFAI OF CRITICIZING THE TINUBU ADMINISTRATION OUT OF VENGEANCE RATHER THAN PATRIOTISM.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, has accused former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai of engaging in a “vengeance mission” rather than acting out of patriotism in his recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.  

Bwala made this claim in response to El-Rufai’s earlier post on his verified X account, @BwalaDaniel, on Thursday.  

While expressing admiration for El-Rufai, Bwala questioned the motives behind the former governor’s statements and actions. He stated, “My concern, however, is the motive behind your statements and actions; they are not driven by patriotism but rather by a need for vengeance. The opposition views this singular element of vengeance as a valuable tool for your recruitment.”  

The presidential aide also reminded El-Rufai of their shared history within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting their significant roles in Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 elections. Bwala emphasized that his support for Tinubu predates recent political developments, saying, “With respect, I am not a latter-day Asiwaju supporter. We both played our roles in his emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2023 elections.”  

He further pointed out the ideological differences within the party during its early years, recalling that while El-Rufai was part of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction of the APC, Bwala belonged to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) faction. “Before then, while you were from the CPC faction of the APC, I was from the ACN, which explains why I worked with Comrade Oshiomhole when he chaired the party, among other things, to protect the interest of Asiwaju, whom at that time, you all vowed to retire from politics,” Bwala stated.  

Bwala urged El-Rufai to abandon what he described as “melodramatic activities” and return to the APC to address any grievances he may have. “I still believe you don’t need these melodramatic activities or a vengeance mission. Come back and resolve whatever grievances you have like the dignified man that you are,” he advised.  

The presidential aide also reaffirmed the APC’s status as the dominant political party in Nigeria, calling it “the only organized party with identifiable structures across the country.” He added, “So if you are looking for any symbol of democracy, it is still in your party.”  

In a heartfelt appeal, Bwala urged El-Rufai to return, saying, “Please senior, come home; you have toiled all nights.”  

The exchange between these two prominent APC figures has drawn reactions from political observers, with many speculating about the implications of El-Rufai’s criticisms for the unity of the ruling party.