In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he helped found. On Monday, El-Rufai announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing an “unhealthy situation” within the APC as the reason for his departure.
But what really went on behind the scenes before this dramatic exit?
Buhari in the Loop: El-Rufai’s Pre-Exit Consultation
In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, El-Rufai revealed that he consulted with several political heavyweights before making his decision. One of them was none other than former President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Nigeria until 2023.
“I left the APC with his full knowledge,” El-Rufai disclosed. “I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party, because I involve and consult with him on all my matters.”
This revelation highlights the close relationship between the two leaders and underscores the significance of El-Rufai’s move.
Political Godfathers: Who Really Influences El-Rufai?
When asked if he had any political godfathers, El-Rufai didn’t hold back. “I have those I consult with in everything I do,” he said. “I inform them of anything I intend to do, and when they demand that I keep off, I do.”
While he openly acknowledged Buhari as his “first godfather,” El-Rufai chose to keep the identities of others under wraps. “If I mention them, they’ll be pressured,” he explained, leaving Nigerians to speculate about who else might be pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Why This Matters:
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP is more than just a party switch—it’s a bold statement about the current state of the APC and a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s political future. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, this move could signal the beginning of a major realignment in the country’s political landscape.
Will El-Rufai’s exit trigger a wave of defections from the APC? And what role will his new party, the SDP, play in the coming years? Only time will tell.