In a dramatic political twist, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This move marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape and raises questions about the future of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Here’s the inside scoop on El-Rufai’s decision and what it means for Nigerian politics.
The Announcement: El-Rufai Bids Farewell to APC
On March 10, 2025, Nasir El-Rufai made his decision public in a statement that sent shockwaves through the political arena. “Today, the 10th of March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately,” he declared.
El-Rufai didn’t stop there. He announced his decision to join the SDP, describing it as the new platform for his future political engagements. “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),” he said.
Why El-Rufai Left the APC
El-Rufai’s departure from the APC didn’t come out of the blue. In his statement, he expressed deep dissatisfaction with the party’s current direction. “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 said.
The former governor revealed that he had raised concerns about the party’s trajectory, both privately and publicly, but felt his efforts were ignored. “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,” he added.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, lamented that the party had strayed from the vision of its founders. “I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform, but recognize that the party has since left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers,” he stated.
El-Rufai’s Legacy in Kaduna and the APC
During his eight-year tenure as Kaduna State governor, El-Rufai was known for his progressive policies in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. He also played a key role in the APC’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. However, he believes these contributions have been overlooked in the current APC, which he accused of treating its members with contempt.
“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,” he said. “I found the situation no longer acceptable.”
What’s Next? El-Rufai’s Plans with the SDP
El-Rufai’s move to the SDP isn’t just about finding a new political home—it’s about building a formidable opposition to challenge the APC. In his statement, he called on other opposition leaders and parties to join the SDP and unite under a single democratic platform.
“As a member of the SDP, I will 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,” he said.
He also urged his supporters and Nigerians concerned about the country’s future to join him in the SDP. “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 added.
The Bigger Picture: Implications for Nigerian Politics
El-Rufai’s defection is a major blow to the APC, which is already grappling with internal divisions and declining public confidence. His move to the SDP could galvanize opposition forces and reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
For the SDP, El-Rufai’s entry brings a high-profile leader with a track record of governance and a strong political network. If he succeeds in uniting opposition parties, the SDP could emerge as a serious contender in the next general elections.
Key Takeaways
Nasir El-Rufai has resigned from the APC and joined the SDP, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s current direction.
He accused the APC of straying from its founding principles and treating its members with contempt.
El-Rufai plans to unite opposition parties under the SDP to challenge the APC in future elections.
His defection is a significant development that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
