Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has blamed Nigeria’s leadership crisis on an electoral system that allows illiterate and unqualified party delegates to select candidates.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the conclusion of a national conference on strengthening democracy, El-Rufai stated the flawed political party system was hindering development of good leadership but that he remains a member of the APC despite his criticisms of the party’s leadership style.

He lamented that the APC had deviated from its founding principles of fighting corruption, revamping the economy, and strengthening security.

“The APC no longer functions as a political party. No organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. It is difficult to tell if it is a one-man show or a no-man show,” he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential aide Daniel Bwala challenged El-Rufai’s assertions, asking whether he would have made similar remarks if he were still in government.

The democracy conference also called for electoral reforms, including decentralising election management and enhancing internal democracy within political parties.