APC Blames El-Rufai for 2023 Election Loss in Kaduna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly attributed its disappointing performance in the 2023 general elections in Kaduna to the governing record of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Mohammed Sani Haruna, the APC Publicity Secretary for Kaduna, accused El-Rufai of implementing policies that alienated voters, including mass demolitions of homes and markets, large-scale worker sackings, and actions that exacerbated religious and ethnic divisions.

During a briefing on October 13, 2026, Haruna indicated that the election results served as a public verdict on El-Rufai's tenure, particularly highlighting discontent in Southern Kaduna, a region historically supportive of opposition parties. Haruna claimed that the political landscape has shifted positively since Governor Sani took office, crediting him with fostering an inclusive leadership style.

He asserted that the APC now holds all elective positions in the state and expressed confidence that Kaduna would deliver two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election campaign during his visit on October 24, 2026.