Former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has left the ruling party to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, El-Rufai explained that his decision was driven by a growing disconnect between his personal values and the APC’s current direction. He expressed disappointment with the party’s leadership, accusing it of deviating from the progressive principles upon which it was founded.
“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of collaborating with fellow compatriots to negotiate the merger that led to the party’s creation. Since 2013, I had hoped that my personal values would remain aligned with those of the APC until my eventual retirement from politics.”
“However, developments over the past two years have made it clear that those currently leading the APC are unwilling to acknowledge, let alone address, the party’s deteriorating state. I have voiced my concerns both privately and, more recently, publicly regarding its unpredictable trajectory. Given these circumstances, I have concluded that I must seek a new political platform to uphold the progressive values I deeply cherish.”
Founders naturally feel a deep attachment to the institutions they help create, but one must be pragmatic enough to recognize when differences become irreconcilable. I have faithfully served the APC and contributed to its growth as a political platform, yet it has since drifted away, leaving me committed to the original vision of its well-intentioned founders.
As a loyal party member, I played a role in securing the APC’s victories in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections. Serving as a governor under the party’s banner in 2015 and 2019, I stood alongside others who championed democratic and progressive principles to drive nation-building.
The former Kaduna State governor confirmed that he had formally submitted his resignation from the ruling party. He explained that after extensive consultations with his mentors, colleagues, and loyalists, he decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in preparation for the 2027 general election.
“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to unite under a common democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and by-elections between now and 2027, by the grace of God,” he stated.
He also urged his supporters and fellow Nigerians to join his new party in a collective effort to restore Nigeria as a source of pride for Africa and the black race.
El-Rufai had previously joined other senior members of the ruling party in criticizing the National Executive Council and Board of Trustees for failing to convene meetings throughout the past year. Notably, he also chose not to attend the recent stakeholders’ meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, citing the absence of the required 14 to 21 days’ notice.
On Sunday, he visited former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos.
Photographs of El-Rufai with Aregbesola and Bakare quickly went viral on social media. While details of their discussions remain undisclosed, the meetings are widely speculated to be part of his strategic political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
