Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced his departure from the party and subsequent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai attributed his decision to a growing disconnect between his personal values and the APC’s current trajectory.
In a statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai expressed disappointment with the party’s leadership, asserting that the APC had strayed from the progressive ideals espoused by its founders.
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He revealed that he had raised concerns both privately and publicly over the past two years, but the current leadership displayed no willingness to address these issues.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” El-Rufai stated.
“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.”
Recalling his instrumental role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai highlighted his involvement in negotiating the merger of political parties that led to the creation of the ruling party.
Additionally, he emphasized his contributions to the APC’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, underscoring the impact of his efforts on the party’s success.
As governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai implemented various policies centered on education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment.
“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development,” he said. “These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.”
Submitting his resignation to his ward in Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has made his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) effective immediately.
Concurrently, he announced his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he envisions as the platform for his future political activities.
El-Rufai has called upon his supporters and like-minded Nigerians to unite under the SDP banner, emphasizing the need for a robust, democratic platform capable of challenging the APC.
By rallying allies to his new political home, El-Rufai aims to create a strong opposition force grounded in the progressive values he believes the APC has abandoned.
