Former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has left the ruling party and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai announced his defection on Monday in a press statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. He explained that his decision was due to a growing misalignment between his values and the current direction of the APC.
El-Rufai Expresses Disappointment with APC Leadership
In his statement, El-Rufai expressed disappointment in the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of abandoning the progressive ideals it was founded on.
“As a founding member of the APC, I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC,” he said.
He noted that he had hoped to remain in the party until his retirement from politics but was forced to reconsider due to recent developments.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation. I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the party’s capricious trajectory,” El-Rufai stated.
He further explained that despite his loyalty and contributions to the APC’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, he could no longer ignore the clear divergence between his principles and the party’s current direction.
“At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform to pursue the progressive values I cherish,” he added.
Consultations Led to SDP Membership
El-Rufai disclosed that after consulting with his mentors, colleagues, and loyalists, he decided to join the SDP as he prepares for the 2027 general election.
“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God,” he declared.
He urged his supporters and other Nigerians to join him in the SDP, emphasizing that his goal is to help restore Nigeria’s status as a beacon of pride for Africa and the black race.
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Discontent with APC’s Internal Affairs
El-Rufai had previously criticized the APC’s National Executive Council and Board of Trustees for failing to hold meetings throughout 2023. He also refused to attend a recent stakeholders’ meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, claiming that the organizers did not give the required 14 to 21 days’ notice.
Strategic Political Moves
On Sunday, El-Rufai visited former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos. While details of their discussion remain undisclosed, many believe the meeting was part of his political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Photographs of El-Rufai with Aregbesola and Bakare have since gone viral on social media, fueling speculation about his next political moves.
With his exit from the APC and his new alliance with the SDP, El-Rufai is expected to play a significant role in reshaping Nigeria’s political terrain ahead of 2027.