El-Rufai dumps APC, joins SDP over ‘irreconcilable differences’ with party leadership

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared his membership in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable differences with the ruling party’s leadership.

El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, tendered his resignation letter on Monday at his ward in Kaduna State, expressing deep disillusionment with the party’s trajectory in recent years.

In his resignation letter, El-Rufai reflected on his contributions to the APC’s growth and success but lamented a decline in the party’s commitment to democratic principles.

“I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform. However, developments in the last two years have confirmed a troubling disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear.”

He pointed to his instrumental role in securing electoral victories for the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment during his tenure as Kaduna’s governor.

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Declaring his next political move, El-Rufai announced his alignment with the SDP, a party he believes embodies the progressive ideals he has long championed.

“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.”

Expressing gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, and supporters, El-Rufai pledged to help build a viable democratic alternative that could challenge the APC in future elections.

“As a member of the SDP, I am committed to fostering a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections.”

He called on Nigerians who share his vision for a better country to rally behind the SDP in its mission to make Nigeria a beacon of pride for Africa and the Black race.

El-Rufai’s resignation marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, as he was once a staunch APC loyalist and key strategist. His defection to the SDP is expected to influence the country’s political dynamics ahead of the next general elections.

With this move, political observers are keenly watching how El-Rufai’s influence will shape the 2027 elections and whether the SDP can emerge as a formidable opposition force to the ruling APC.