10th March, 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership. He has now joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and vowed to unite opposition forces against the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, announced his defection in a statement on his verified Facebook page on Monday. He disclosed that he had formally submitted his resignation to his ward in Kaduna after extensive consultations with his political allies.
“As a founding member of the APC, I cherished the ideals we worked hard to establish in 2013. Unfortunately, recent events have shown that the party’s leadership has abandoned internal democracy, sidelining its structures and members,” El-Rufai stated.
He accused the APC leadership of stifling internal discussions and disregarding the concerns of loyal members. “For the past two years, those in control of the APC have shown no interest in addressing the party’s growing challenges. I can no longer remain in a party that has suppressed its own organs and treats its members with disdain,” he said.
The former governor, who played a key role in APC’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, said he is now focused on building a formidable opposition. “As a member of the SDP, I will work to unify opposition parties under a common democratic platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections, including the 2027 general election,” he declared.
El-Rufai urged his supporters and Nigerians who believe in a better future to join him in the SDP. “This is a call to all who desire real change. Let us come together to rebuild Nigeria and restore its pride among African nations,” he added.
His defection marks a significant political shift as the APC navigates internal tensions ahead of the next election cycle.
