Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has publicly declared his commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite his father’s political alignment with another party.
Bello, who is the son of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, made his position known in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. He stated clearly that he remains loyal to the APC and would not act against the party’s interest.
The statement followed a comment by an X user, identified as @utddiehard_, who accused him of siding with his father. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is currently associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that has generated political discussion in recent months.
In response, Bello wrote: “I love my father. I respect Asiwaju. I will never do anything against my party’s interest as long as I am a member. But I will never compromise my principles.”
He added that his loyalty to the APC remains firm and that he would continue to serve his constituents in Kaduna North with integrity.
His comments come at a time when political realignments and shifting alliances are becoming common ahead of future elections. Political watchers say the younger El-Rufai’s public declaration is an effort to clear doubts about where he stands.
The relationship between family loyalty and party loyalty has often raised questions in Nigerian politics. In this case, Bello El-Rufai’s position has drawn attention because of his father’s political history and influence.
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and served two terms as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. He was a prominent member of the APC during his time as governor and played a key role in national politics.
However, recent developments have seen him associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has sparked debate within political circles.
The younger El-Rufai’s statement appears to address concerns that he might follow his father into a different political platform. Instead, he made it clear that he remains committed to the APC.
“I love my father. I respect Asiwaju,” he wrote, referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by his popular title, Asiwaju.
President Tinubu is the national leader of the APC and Nigeria’s current president. His administration has faced economic and security challenges since taking office in May 2023. Within the ruling party, unity is seen as important for maintaining political stability and passing key policies.
Bello also stated that his loyalty is guided by his oath of office. “After all, God is bigger than PMB, Asiwaju, Mallam, and Buhari, and it is God and Kaduna North who will judge me,” he wrote.
By mentioning PMB, a common abbreviation for former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bello appeared to stress that no political figure is above God or the will of the people.
He further stated that his oath was taken with the Qur’an, the Constitution of Nigeria, and the APC Constitution, indicating his commitment to both religious and constitutional principles.
Hon. Bello El-Rufai was elected into the House of Representatives under the platform of the APC. Since taking office, he has represented Kaduna North, a key constituency in Kaduna State.
Kaduna State has long been a stronghold of political activity in northern Nigeria. It has also experienced security challenges, including banditry and communal clashes, which have shaped political debates in the state.
As a young lawmaker, Bello has been seen as part of a new generation of politicians emerging from established political families. His public remarks show the balancing act between personal loyalty and political responsibility.
“I will never compromise my principles,” he said, responding strongly to critics on social media.
He also warned that he would not tolerate attempts to drag his name into unnecessary controversy. His comments suggest he intends to defend his reputation and political stance firmly.
However, when such differences occur within high-profile families, they often attract public attention and speculation.
By openly stating his loyalty to both his father and his party, Bello appears to be sending a message that personal respect does not mean political alignment.
As political activities continue across the country, especially with preparations for future elections, party loyalty and internal unity remain key issues for major political parties like the APC.