'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he helped to form, citing deep concerns over its trajectory. In a bold political move, El-Rufai has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on his Facebook page on March 10, 2025, El-Rufai detailed his reasons for leaving the APC, stating that the party has deviated from the progressive values on which it was founded. He lamented that despite his efforts—both in private and in public—to address what he described as the party’s “capricious trajectory,” the current leadership had shown no willingness to resolve its internal crises.
As a founding member of the APC, El-Rufai recalled his involvement in negotiating the merger that created the party, expressing his hope that his values and those of the APC would remain aligned. However, he said recent developments had confirmed that the party’s leadership had no interest in addressing its internal challenges.
El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, played a key role in APC’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. However, he stated that his contributions to the party’s growth had been disregarded, as the APC leadership had weakened internal structures and treated members with contempt.
He explained that while founding members naturally feel attached to the institutions they helped create, there comes a time when one must acknowledge an unbridgeable divergence. He further noted that while he had diligently served the APC and contributed to its growth, the party had veered away from the vision of its well-meaning founders.
El-Rufai disclosed that he had consulted widely with his political allies, mentors, and loyalists before making the decision to resign from the APC and adopt the SDP as his new political home. He formally submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna, effective immediately.
Now a full-fledged member of the Social Democratic Party, El-Rufai has set his sights on rallying opposition forces to challenge the APC in upcoming elections. He called on like-minded politicians and concerned Nigerians to join the SDP in creating a formidable platform that can unseat the ruling party in 2027.
He stated that as a member of the SDP, his focus would be on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to unite under a democratic platform. He expressed his commitment to challenging the APC in all elections and bye-elections leading up to 2027.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP, a party with historical roots in Nigeria’s democratic struggles, is expected to shake up the country’s political dynamics. His departure from the APC comes amid growing dissatisfaction within the party, with several key figures expressing frustration over its leadership and governance style.
His move to the SDP may also intensify political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, as opposition parties explore alliances to challenge the APC. With his strong political network and governance record, his presence in the SDP could attract other influential politicians looking for a viable alternative.
El-Rufai’s exit from the APC is a significant blow to the ruling party, especially considering his deep influence within the Northern political landscape. As a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and two-term governor, he has been a key player in shaping Nigeria’s political discourse over the past two decades.
Political analysts believe that his decision to join the SDP could encourage other disillusioned APC members to reconsider their allegiance, potentially weakening the party’s hold on power ahead of the next general elections.
For the SDP, El-Rufai’s arrival provides a strategic advantage, giving the party a stronger national presence and increasing its credibility as a serious opposition force. His call for unity among opposition parties could also pave the way for a broad-based coalition to challenge the APC in 2027.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, El-Rufai’s next moves will be closely watched. Whether his defection will mark the beginning of a major opposition resurgence or simply another realignment remains to be seen. However, his departure from the APC has set the stage for an intense political battle in the years ahead.
