Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This announcement, made on March 10, 2025, marks a significant shift in El-Rufai’s political career, as he cited a growing misalignment between his values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his departure.
In a statement shared on his social media, El-Rufai expressed his disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of straying from the progressive ideals that were foundational to its establishment. He reflected on his history with the APC, recalling his role as a founding member and his hopes for a continued alignment of values since the party’s inception in 2013. However, he noted that recent developments have confirmed a significant divergence from these principles.
El-Rufai indicated that he had raised concerns about the party’s trajectory both privately and publicly, but felt that those in control of the APC were unwilling to acknowledge or address its challenges. He stated that he has submitted his resignation from the ruling party and is now preparing for the 2027 general elections as a member of the SDP. His intention is to engage with other opposition leaders to form a unified platform that can effectively challenge the APC in upcoming elections.
The former governor urged his supporters and fellow Nigerians to join him in this new political endeavor, emphasizing a vision of restoring Nigeria as a beacon of pride for Africans and the black race. This political maneuver comes after El-Rufai’s criticisms of the APC’s leadership and his absence from key party meetings, which he attributed to inadequate notice. His recent discussions with prominent political figures, including former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, have further fueled speculation about his future political strategies.
El-Rufai’s departure from the APC is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape in Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach.
