The Presidency has dismissed speculations that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is positioning himself against the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that his recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu are merely expressions of frustration.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, made this assertion while speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

El-Rufai, once a strong Tinubu supporter, has accused the president of derailing from the APC’s campaign promises, claiming the party is now unrecognizable.

His remarks, coupled with meetings with opposition leaders, have fueled speculation that he may leave the ruling party.

However, Bwala refuted this, asserting that El-Rufai’s remarks should not be mistaken for opposition politics.

“Most of what Nasir El-Rufai kept talking about, I do not consider them as part of opposition politics because he is not in the opposition,” Bwala stated.

He stated that El-Rufai remains an APC member, and his grievances were due to personal frustrations rather than political rebellion.

When asked if he agreed with El-Rufai’s assessment of Tinubu’s administration, Bwala rejected the claims, pointing out that El-Rufai himself disregarded similar criticisms while in office.

“I see what he says now as part of expressing his frustration,” Bwala stated.