Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives and son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmaker responded after a social media user advised him to leave the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In his reply, Bello rejected the suggestion, stressing that his political choices are not influenced by social media pressure.

He cited his electoral victory in Kaduna North as the foundation of his position, reminding critics that his mandate comes from the electorate and that his primary allegiance is to his constituents.

Recalling the result, he noted that he secured 51,052 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Samaila, who polled 34,808 votes, becoming the first candidate to win all 12 wards in Kaduna North.

According to him, the mandate belongs to the 51,052 voters who elected him, not to online commentators.

Bello stated that only one situation could make him leave the APC — a directive from his father, whom he 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 said.

He also challenged the social media user, saying he would offer N10 million if the user could convince the 51,052 constituents who gave him the mandate.

While expressing deep respect for his father, Bello reaffirmed his loyalty to the Kaduna State administration led by Governor Uba Sani, whom he described as his “boss,” ruling out any form of disloyalty.

He disclosed that after recently attending a public event with his father, he went straight to an APC caucus meeting in Kaduna alongside the Speaker and the governor, describing the move as deliberate and symbolic.

Bello further highlighted the opportunities he has enjoyed within the APC, including working with top public officials such as Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso.

Speaking on political ethics, he said he would never publicly oppose the governor or work against his administration, describing such conduct as a matter of honour.