|By Chinwendu Nwani
Bello El-Rufai has firmly dismissed speculations that he may dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that his political loyalty rests with the 51,052 constituents who elected him to represent Kaduna North in the House of Representatives.
The federal lawmaker reacted after a social media user urged him to defect from the APC to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a strongly worded response, Bello rejected the suggestion, insisting that online pressure would not dictate his political decisions.
Citing his electoral victory, Bello reminded critics that he secured 51,052 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Samaila, who polled 34,808 votes. He also set a record as the first candidate to win all 12 wards in Kaduna North.
“The mandate belongs to the 51,052 people who elected me,” he stated, stressing that the trust reposed in him by voters outweighs any social media commentary.
Bello, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, however, said there is only one condition under which he would consider leaving the APC — a directive from his father, whom he repeatedly referred to as “Mallam.”
“If Mallam asks me to leave the APC, I’ll resign the seat tonight. I can be non-partisan. My people adore me,” he declared.
In a dramatic challenge to his online critic, Bello added: “I’ll send 10 million to you tonight if you can convince the 51,052 people that have given me this mandate. Do you have an app to confirm?”
Despite his public reverence for his father, Bello underscored his allegiance to the Kaduna State government under Governor Uba Sani, describing him as his “boss” and ruling out any form of disloyalty.
He disclosed that after attending a recent public event with his father, he deliberately proceeded to an APC caucus meeting in Kaduna alongside the Speaker and Governor Sani — a move he described as intentional and symbolic of his party commitment.
Bello also highlighted the opportunities he has enjoyed within the APC, noting that the party has enabled him to work closely with top government officials, including Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso.
On political ethics, the lawmaker was unequivocal: “I will never publicly go against the governor and I will not plan his demise. It is called honour.”
His remarks appear aimed at quelling growing rumours of possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, while reaffirming his standing within the APC and his commitment to his Kaduna North constituency.
