Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He expressed dissatisfaction with the current APC leadership and emphasized the need for a renewed political platform that aligns with progressive values. His departure follows critical comments regarding the ruling party and aims at fostering unity among opposition parties.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has departed from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP). This decision was communicated via a statement on his verified Facebook page, indicating a significant political shift given El-Rufai’s historical involvement in the APC’s foundation.
El-Rufai indicated his dissatisfaction with the current leadership of the APC during a recent interview, expressing his intention to remain in the party until they failed to fulfill their foundational commitments. His statement revealed a growing disconnection with the party’s trajectory, stating, “I did not leave the party, the party left me.”
Throughout his governance, El-Rufai actively supported President Bola Tinubu’s election and was later nominated for a ministerial role, though confirmation was blocked by the Senate owing to a report from the State Security Service. Following this incident, he has been critical of the ruling party and its officials.
In his resignation announcement, El-Rufai expressed longing for the APC’s founding values, lamenting the party’s movement away from these principles in recent years. He noted, “I have raised concerns… regarding the capricious trajectory of the party.”
Pointing to his contributions to the APC’s past electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, El-Rufai expressed disappointment over how the party has treated its members. He criticized the APC for failing to uphold its democratic ideals and acknowledged the necessity for a new political direction.
On March 10, 2025, he formally resigned from the APC, having consulted with trusted associates nationwide. He announced his affiliation with the SDP as a platform for pursuing his political goals and aims to foster alliances among opposition parties against the APC leading into upcoming elections. He urged supporters to join him in this new venture towards a brighter future for Nigeria.
In conclusion, Nasir El-Rufai’s transition from the APC to the SDP marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. His departure underscores his disillusionment with the APC’s current leadership and a call for renewed commitment to the foundational principles of democracy and progress. El-Rufai’s aim to unify opposition parties reflects an intent to challenge the ruling party effectively as the nation approaches future elections.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
