The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum has faulted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his claim that insecurity has worsened under President Bola Tinubu, describing it as propaganda and misinformation.
El-Rufai, in a Channels Television interview on Sunday, alleged that the Tinubu administration was paying bandits.
Responding in a statement on Monday, September 1, the Forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, argued that insecurity in the North-Central has reduced since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
He noted that while herdsmen attacks have not been completely eliminated, the scale of violence has declined compared to the period under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to him, government interventions have enabled many farmers to safely return to their farmlands.
“The current level of insecurity in the North-Central is less than what we experienced under previous administrations. Before now, it was difficult for our people, who are mostly farmers, to go to their farms because of insecurity.
“But today, with the leadership provided by Mr President, who has given marching orders to the Armed Forces and other security agencies, our people can farm and harvest their crops,” the Forum said.
The group credited the deployment of advanced military equipment and coordinated operations against terrorists and bandits for the improved situation.
It highlighted efforts such as Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue and Nasarawa and Operation Safe Haven, now renamed Operation Enduring Peace, in Plateau and surrounding states, as significant contributors to the progress.
“The security situation in the country has not degenerated under President Tinubu. On the contrary, he has confronted the challenge head-on and has made considerable progress,” the statement added.
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The Forum also cited Tinubu’s visit to Benue after the Yelwata killings as proof of his commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens.
It accused El-Rufai of misleading the public and referenced a statement by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, dismissing the former governor’s claims as baseless.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser has already dismissed El-Rufai’s claims, particularly his allegation that government pays incentives to bandits. There is no record of the Tinubu administration engaging in such practices,” the group stressed.
Furthermore, the Forum questioned El-Rufai’s credibility, recalling allegations that he paid bandits during his time as Kaduna governor.
“This is a man who, as governor, encouraged the insecurity that now plagues the North-West by placing terrorists and bandits on salary.
“It is no surprise that insecurity in Kaduna has reduced since his successor, Governor Uba Sani, cut ties with him and abandoned his divisive and oppressive policies.
“The people of Southern Kaduna and other minorities suffered greatly under his administration. El-Rufai cannot escape his reputation as an enabler of insecurity,” the statement declared.
Reaffirming its loyalty to President Tinubu, the North-Central APC Forum restated its endorsement of him for the 2027 elections, pledging to deliver six million votes.
It also warned against any attempt by APC members to challenge the president in the primaries.
“The party has already endorsed Mr President. All the zones have backed him for re-election. So why would any party member contest against him in the primary?
“Such an action would amount to disloyalty, and we will protest against it. His performance speaks for him, and we expect all members to unite for his re-election,” the Forum said.