Dr. Bashir Jamoh, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has dismissed rumours of defection surrounding former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, affirming that he remains a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jamoh, a prominent APC chieftain in Kaduna State, made this known while addressing newsmen in Kaduna after a grassroots tour of the eight local government areas in Kaduna North Senatorial District.
He said the visit was aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Uba Sani, ahead of the forthcoming bye-elections and the 2027 General Elections.
Jamoh said, “As far as I am concerned, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is still with the APC.
“We are yet to reach the point where we will say farewell to him. Forget about the politics when we need his advice, we consult him, and he always contributes without hesitation.”
According to him, El-Rufai remains a valuable asset to the party, noting his contributions since the party’s formative years.
“You cannot disown your child of eight years. He governed Kaduna for eight years under the APC and played a pivotal role in the merger that formed the party,” he said.
On El-Rufai’s rumoured association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamoh urged for patience.
“You don’t name a child until there is a successful delivery. Let’s wait and see how the ADC process unfolds who emerges leader, who becomes the presidential candidate, and what the structure will look like,” he said.
The APC chieftain reiterated his loyalty to the APC and declared that the party remained the strongest political force in the country.
“Have you ever seen a field marshal frightened by a non-commissioned officer? APC remains the field marshal of Nigerian politics,” Jamoh said.
He said defections were a natural part of democratic systems but maintained that the APC remained formidable in Kaduna State and across the nation.
Jamoh also reaffirmed his commitment to the political alliance between Tinubu and Sani.
“That alliance is like a marriage even when your wife is no longer young, you don’t send her packing. Tinubu is our political partner, and we must nurture that partnership,” he said.
On his political ambition, Jamoh confirmed that he had received calls from his constituents urging him to contest for the Kaduna North senatorial seat in 2027.
“Yes, I have received calls to run, and I have formally written to the stakeholders to seek their advice and prayers,” he stated.
Jamoh urged APC members to remain united and focused as preparations for the next general election begin in earnest.
“This is not the time for distractions. Let’s consolidate our gains and ensure continuity in governance,” he added.
