El-Rufai’s Defection Sparks Mass Resignations from APC in Kaduna

Written on 11/03/2025
Busines Day

The defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has triggered a wave of resignations from the ruling party in Kaduna State.

Following El-Rufai’s announcement on Monday, several high-profile members of his political circle have formally resigned from the APC, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.

BusinessDay confirmed on Tuesday that notable figures from El-Rufai’s administration, including Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani, former Commissioner for Local Government, and Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, former Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, have officially quit the party.

The mass resignations raise questions about the APC’s internal stability in Kaduna State, as more former allies of El-Rufai are expected to announce their exit in the coming days.

 


The two former Commissioners, were said to have submitted their, respective, resignation letters to their ward chairmen on Monday.

In his resignation letter, Sani cited a lack of recognition from the APC leadership despite his contributions to strengthening the party. He stated that after consulting with stakeholders in Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area, and across Kaduna State, he decided to leave immediately.

Similarly, Hafsat Baba expressed her dissatisfaction with the party, accusing it of straying from its foundational principles of justice, peace, and unity. A former National Woman Leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

she had initially backed the APC merger to promote democratic governance. However, she said the party had since lost its way, prompting her decision to resign.

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