Bello El-Rufai, the lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has firmly ruled out any plan to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The federal legislator made his position known while responding to a social media user who urged him to leave the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a strongly worded reaction, Bello stated that his political decisions would not be dictated by online commentary, stressing that his mandate rests with the people of Kaduna North.
Citing the outcome of the 2023 National Assembly election, Bello recalled that he secured 51,052 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Samaila, who polled 34,808 votes. He also noted that he made history as the first candidate to win all 12 wards in Kaduna North.
According to him, the mandate belongs to the 51,052 constituents who elected him—not to social media critics.
While reaffirming his commitment to the APC, Bello stated that the only circumstance under which he would consider leaving the party would be at the directive of his father, former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
“If Mallam asks me to leave the APC, I’ll resign the seat tonight. I can be non-partisan. My people adore me,” he wrote.
He further challenged his online critic, saying he would send ₦10 million if the individual could convince the 51,052 voters who gave him the mandate to support such a move.
Despite expressing deep respect for his father, Bello emphasized his loyalty to the current Kaduna State administration under Governor Uba Sani, whom he described as his “boss.” He ruled out any act of disloyalty, declaring that he would never publicly oppose the governor or work against his administration.
Bello revealed that after recently attending a public function with his father, he proceeded directly to an APC caucus meeting in Kaduna alongside the Speaker and Governor Uba Sani—a move he described as deliberate and symbolic of his party commitment.
Highlighting the benefits of remaining within the APC, the lawmaker said the party has afforded him opportunities to work closely with senior public officials, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.
On political ethics, Bello concluded: “I will never publicly go against the governor and I will not plan his demise. It is called honour.”
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