The All Progressives Congress (APC) has addressed the absence of former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Wednesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The meeting marked the first gathering of the NEC since August 2023.

The NEC, APC’s highest decision-making body, includes state governors, serving and former presidents, former vice-presidents, national assembly leaders, state chairmen, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and founding members, among others. However, el-Rufai—who has recently been vocal in his criticism of the party—was noticeably absent. Also missing were former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

Explaining his absence in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, el-Rufai cited inadequate notice for the NEC and caucus meetings, stating that he had prior commitments. “Unfortunately, I won’t attend the APC national caucus meeting because I will be on my way to Cairo, where I spend most of my time. I didn’t get adequate notice,” he said.

He further questioned whether proper notification was given, referencing the party’s constitution, which requires a 14- to 21-day notice for such meetings. “I’ve made my own plans. Many of my friends will attend and give me updates. I don’t think I will miss anything,” he added.

Responding to el-Rufai’s comments on Channels Television’s Politics Today, APC spokesperson Felix Morka dismissed claims of inadequate notice, stating that the former governor received the same invitation as other party leaders who attended.

“The same way notice was sent to el-Rufai, I believe, was how notices were sent to these other members who got the notices and attended. Many of them don’t live in Abuja, but they made plans and traveled to be at this meeting,” Morka said.

He further suggested that el-Rufai’s absence was a personal decision, adding, “If he wanted to be at the meeting, I bet you, he would have come.” However, Morka expressed uncertainty over whether el-Rufai is a member of the NEC, stating, “Of certainty, he is a member of the caucus, but I don’t know that he’s a member of NEC. I mean, I doubt that.”

El-Rufai, who has hinted at parting ways with the ruling party, continues to be a critical voice within the APC.