Former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the ruling party and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement released on Monday, El-Rufai cited internal party issues and a lack of commitment to addressing APC’s challenges as his reasons for leaving. He stated that developments over the last two years have shown that the party’s leadership is unwilling to recognize or resolve deep-seated problems within the APC.
El-Rufai’s defection marks a significant political shift, adding to growing concerns over factionalism within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. His move to the SDP is expected to reshape the political landscape, especially in northern Nigeria, where he holds considerable influence.
El-Rufai, who is also a former FCT minister explained that on his part, he raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the APC, “Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have concluded that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.”
The former governor said he submitted a letter resigning his membership of the APC to his ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. “Before this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues, and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.