A former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, has criticised former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, accusing him of self-interest and misrepresenting the position of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on a national television programme, Aliyu stated that the CPC bloc had no intention of leaving the APC and dismissed rumours of an impending defection as false and misleading.

“The CPC certificate is one of the founding documents of the APC. We cannot leave the party we helped build. Where would we go?” Aliyu asked rhetorically.

He alleged that el-Rufai’s recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration stemmed from personal disappointment over not being appointed a minister. According to him, if el-Rufai had secured a ministerial post, he would likely be defending the administration today.

Aliyu described el-Rufai’s conduct as ironic, pointing out that the same man who once condemned northern elders for opposing Tinubu’s presidential bid was now criticising the president.

“El-Rufai left on his own accord. How many followed him? None. Even former President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his commitment to the APC,” he said.

He urged el-Rufai to accept the situation as divine will and cautioned him against destabilising the party.

In a joint statement, 23 founding members of the defunct CPC, including former governors Aminu Masari and Tanko Al-Makura, reiterated their support for Tinubu and dismissed what they termed “baseless and mischievous” narratives suggesting internal discontent.

They affirmed that the CPC bloc remains a strong pillar within the APC and would continue to support the party’s leadership and progressive agenda.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau also praised Tinubu’s administration, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms aimed at national prosperity.