The All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to the absence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

On Wednesday, February 26, APC leaders gathered at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja for their first NEC meeting since August 2023.

The NEC is the highest decision-making group within the party, including state governors, current and former presidents, vice-presidents, national assembly leaders, state chairmen, and party executives.

El-Rufai, who has been vocal about his issues with the party, was noticeably absent. Other key figures who missed the meeting included former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

Speaking on February 24 during an interview with Arise TV, El-Rufai said he had not been properly informed about the NEC meeting. He mentioned that the party’s constitution requires a 14 to 21-day notice for such a gathering, but he did not receive an invitation in time.

“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,” he said. “I didn’t get adequate notice. Even if a notice was sent, I didn’t receive it. I have already made my plans for Ramadan, and I don’t think I will miss anything important.”

El-Rufai also suggested that he had already made his concerns clear to the party and would wait to see what actions they take.

Felix Morka, APC’s spokesperson, dismissed El-Rufai’s claims. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Morka said El-Rufai received the same notice as other party members who attended the meeting.

“Many attendees had to travel to be at this meeting,” Morka stated. “If El-Rufai wanted to come, he would have made arrangements. I’m not even sure if he is a NEC member, but he is certainly part of the party’s caucus.”

El-Rufai has recently hinted at leaving the ruling party, further fueling speculation about his political future.