In a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped found, and announced his move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The announcement, made on March 10, 2025, has sent ripples through the political sphere, with many viewing it as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections. El-Rufai’s departure from the APC, a party he once championed, underscores deep-seated frustrations with its current direction and leadership, raising questions about the future of Nigeria’s ruling party and the broader political dynamics in the country.
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Why El-Rufai Left the APC
El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC stems from what he describes as a growing misalignment between his personal values and the party’s current trajectory. In a detailed statement released on March 10, 2025, the former governor expressed disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accusing it of abandoning the progressive ideals that guided its formation in 2013. “I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform,” El-Rufai said. “However, developments in the last two years have confirmed a troubling disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear.”
As a founding member of the APC, El-Rufai played a pivotal role in negotiating the merger of political parties that birthed the party, leading to its electoral successes in 2015, 2019, and 2023. During his tenure as Kaduna State Governor from 2015 to 2023, he implemented policies focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, which he often cited as reflective of the APC’s original vision. However, he has grown increasingly vocal about the party’s shift away from these principles, particularly in the last two years.
El-Rufai pointed to what he perceives as an unhealthy situation within the APC, including a lack of internal democracy and a failure to address critical national challenges. “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,” he stated. This sentiment echoes earlier remarks he made in January 2025, when he told reporters that he no longer recognized the APC and doubted its commitment to tackling Nigeria’s challenges. His frustrations were further compounded by what he described as the party’s transformation into a “one-man show,” a critique that has fueled speculation about his political future for months.
A Strategic Move to the SDP
El-Rufai’s decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) marks a significant pivot in his political career. In his statement, he described the SDP as a platform better suited to pursuing the progressive values he cherishes. “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 said. “I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.”
The move to the SDP is seen by political analysts as a calculated step to position himself as a key player in the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. El-Rufai has already signaled his intent to build a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC, urging other opposition leaders and parties to join forces under the SDP banner. “As a member of the SDP, I am committed to fostering a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections,” he declared. He also called on Nigerians who share his concerns about the country’s future to join him in strengthening the SDP as a viable alternative.
El-Rufai’s defection is particularly significant given his influence among grassroots voters, especially in Northern Nigeria. As a key figure in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s political camp, he commands a substantial following, including the loyal base of Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) supporters. Analysts suggest that his move could lead to a realignment of political forces, potentially drawing other disaffected APC members and opposition figures into the SDP fold.
Political Context and Implications
El-Rufai’s departure from the APC comes after months of speculation about his political plans. In recent weeks, he has been spotted meeting with prominent political figures across party lines, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam. These meetings fueled rumors of an impending defection, with some suggesting he might return to the PDP, a party he left in 2013 to help form the APC. However, El-Rufai ruled out a return to the PDP, opting instead for the SDP, which he sees as a fresh platform unburdened by the baggage of Nigeria’s two dominant parties.
The timing of his announcement—less than two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration—adds another layer of complexity. El-Rufai has been critical of Tinubu’s leadership, particularly after the Senate declined to confirm him as a minister in 2023, a decision he attributed to the president’s reluctance to include him in the cabinet. This perceived sidelining, coupled with his dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance record, appears to have been a catalyst for his exit.
For the APC, El-Rufai’s defection is a significant blow. As a prominent figure with a track record of delivering electoral victories, his departure could weaken the party’s hold on the North, a region critical to its success. It also highlights internal divisions within the APC, which have been simmering since Tinubu’s assumption of power. The party now faces the challenge of managing dissent and maintaining unity as it prepares for future elections.
Public and Political Reactions
The news of El-Rufai’s defection has elicited a range of reactions. Supporters view it as a courageous and strategic move to challenge the APC’s dominance and address Nigeria’s pressing issues. On social media platforms like X, some users have praised his decision, with one commenter noting, “El-Rufai’s switch to SDP is brave and strategic, as the head of Buhari’s CPC die-hard supporters. He would lead Buhari’s 12m grassroots voters in negotiating an alliance to defeat Tinubu’s APC.” Others see it as a sign of a larger political realignment on the horizon.
Critics, however, question the sincerity of his move, pointing to his controversial tenure as Kaduna governor, which was marked by policies that alienated some segments of the population. They argue that his defection may be more about personal ambition than ideological conviction. The APC has yet to issue an official response, but party loyalists are likely to downplay the impact of his exit while emphasizing their continued strength.
Looking Ahead
As El-Rufai settles into his new role within the SDP, his next steps will be closely watched. His immediate focus appears to be on building the SDP into a formidable opposition force, potentially through alliances with other parties and political heavyweights. The 2027 elections loom large, and his ability to mobilize support and unify disparate factions will be critical to his success.
For Nigeria, El-Rufai’s defection signals a period of political flux. As the APC grapples with internal challenges and the opposition seeks to capitalize on growing discontent, the country’s political landscape could see significant shifts in the coming years. Whether El-Rufai’s move will herald a new era of progressive governance or simply deepen existing divisions remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s decision to dump the APC and join the SDP is a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics. Citing an irreconcilable ideological divide, he has set the stage for a potential showdown with his former party in the 2027 elections. As he embarks on this new chapter, the former governor’s influence, strategic acumen, and ability to rally support will shape the future of the SDP and the broader opposition. For now, Nigeria’s political observers and citizens alike await the next developments in this unfolding saga.
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