Dr Bashir Jamoh, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has stated that ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains an influential figure within the APC despite recent political speculations.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, August 7, Jamoh dismissed widespread rumours that El-Rufai had defected to another party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged the former governor’s reference to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) but insisted no formal exit from the APC had occurred.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is my opinion — Malam Nasir El-Rufai is still with us,” Jamoh said. “Yes, he mentioned his membership of the SDP. Yes, he mentioned the ADC. But we are yet to get to the point of bidding him farewell.”
Jamoh described El-Rufai as a valued political asset whose expertise continues to guide party stakeholders.
“Whenever we need his advice, he gives it. And if he refuses to give it when asked, I believe God will ask him why,” he added.
Highlighting El-Rufai’s political journey, Jamoh said, “You cannot disown your child of eight years. He was Minister under the PDP. He joined CPC, which merged into APC, and governed this state for eight years. He’s a part of our political history.”
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He maintained that Kaduna APC remained open to El-Rufai regardless of his political moves.
He also dismissed the ADC’s influence in the state, saying, “We don’t even know who is who in the ADC yet… as far as Kaduna is cocncerned, they are underperforming.”
Jamoh argued that El-Rufai’s constitutional term as governor was over and the real question should be whether any opposition party could rival APC’s strength.
“Are you talking about El-Rufai or the ADC? Nasir El-Rufai cannot contest for governorship again. That chapter is closed,” he said.
While acknowledging internal issues within the APC, Jamoh reassured that the party was actively working to resolve them.
“Don’t throw away what you have because you think the opposition can beat APC. Remember where you invested. One day, you will reap the benefit of that investment,” he cautioned.