Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has formerly resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and joined the Social Democratic Party, SDP.
“Today, the 10th of March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately.
“Subsequent to this, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists alike about the future, and have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities,” the former Kaduna governor said in a statement.
El-Rufai noted that developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation in the party.
He added, “On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party.
“Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.”
El-Rufai stated that founders rightly feel attached towards institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable.
“I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform but recognize that the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.
“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019 and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019, that stood for certain democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building.”
The former governor stressed that his eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, as well as expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs and attract investments.
He noted that these records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years, and he found the situation no longer acceptable.
“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC.
“It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will align up to the time I choose to retire from politics,” El-Rufai stated.
He said that as a member of the SDP, he would focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join the party and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027.
“I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race,” he said.
El-Rufai is Hardworking, Sagacious - Adebayo
The SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, described the move as a step toward rescuing Nigeria from poor governance and underdevelopment.
Taking to social media on Monday, Adebayo praised El-Rufai’s decision, calling it a “vital addition” to the SDP’s mission.
“On behalf of the teeming members of the @TheSDPNg and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria and her promise of inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother @elrufai to our party,” Adebayo wrote.
He described El-Rufai as a “hardworking and sagacious leader”, emphasizing his potential contribution to the party’s fight against poverty and insecurity.
Adebayo also reiterated the SDP’s commitment to ethical governance and social justice, urging Nigerians to join the party’s movement for a national revival.
“There is no time to waste. Join us on the March Again! God bless Nigeria,” he stated.
El-Rufai’s Defection Sparks Political Reactions
El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Governor of Kaduna State, brings significant political experience to the SDP.
His departure from the APC, according to political analysts, serves as a strong critique of the ruling party’s handling of national affairs.
His move has sparked speculation about potential defections from both the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as disillusionment grows within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Adebayo, in his statement, took a swipe at both parties, describing their years in government as “the locust years”. He emphasized that clean and ethical politics must form the foundation for Nigeria’s revival and Africa’s liberation.
With El-Rufai’s influence, the SDP’s “Hope Again” campaign could gain traction as the 2027 elections approach.
El-Rufai had previously downplayed rumors of his defection from the APC earlier this year, making his official announcement a major political development.
Ahead of his defection, he reportedly held meetings with notable figures on Sunday, though the purpose of these discussions remains undisclosed.
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