In a stunning development, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, cited irreconcilable differences with the party’s current leadership, stating that the APC has “strayed” from its founding principles and values. “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 of the party,” El-Rufai said in his resignation letter.
The former governor expressed his disappointment with the party’s trajectory, saying, “I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party.” El-Rufai also highlighted his achievements during his tenure as governor, including implementing progressive policies in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
El-Rufai’s decision to join the SDP marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. He plans to engage with other opposition leaders and parties to create a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections.
“I 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,” El-Rufai said.
The move is seen as a major blow to the APC, which has been grappling with internal conflicts and divisions. El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP is expected to boost the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
