Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement on Sunday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai announced his resignation from the APC in a letter submitted to his ward in Kaduna, effective immediately.
“Subsequent to this, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues, and loyalists about the future and have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the platform for our future political engagements and activities,” he stated.
Criticism of APC Leadership
El-Rufai cited the APC’s leadership and internal challenges as key reasons for his departure, stating that developments in the last two years indicate a lack of willingness by those in control to address critical issues within the party.
“I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party.
At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” he added.
The former governor noted that while founders naturally feel attached to institutions they helped create, it is necessary to recognize when differences become irreconcilable.
“I have diligently served the APC and contributed to its viability as a political platform but recognize that the party has since strayed from the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers,” he stated.
Commitment to SDP and Opposition Politics
El-Rufai highlighted his tenure as Kaduna governor, emphasizing his administration’s focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.
However, he lamented that these contributions “count for little in the current APC”, which he accused of sidelining its members in recent years.
“As a founding member of the APC, I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger that created the party.
It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and those of the APC would align until I chose to retire from politics,” he said.
Now in the SDP, El-Rufai pledged to mobilize opposition parties and leaders to challenge the APC in upcoming elections.
“I therefore call on our supporters and all Nigerians concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP as we work towards making Nigeria a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race,” he declared.
His defection marks a significant political shift as the opposition prepares for future electoral battles leading up to 2027.
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