Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has officially severed ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing disillusionment with the party’s leadership and deviation from its founding principles.
In a statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai explained that after deep reflection and extensive consultations, he had chosen the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as his new political home—a platform he believes aligns better with his vision for governance.
Why He Left
A founding member of the APC, El-Rufai expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of internal democracy and disregard for party structures.
“In the last two years, the APC has been hijacked by individuals who have no interest in upholding its core values. The party’s organs have been rendered ineffective, and members are treated with disdain,” he stated.
El-Rufai, who played a key role in the APC’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, lamented that his contributions and those of other loyal members had been sidelined by the party’s current leadership.
A New Political Home
Declaring his next move, El-Rufai announced his defection to the SDP, describing it as a party committed to democratic principles, good governance, and national progress.
“I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities,” he said.
His defection is expected to send shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about the future of the APC and the role the SDP may play in the country’s next election cycle.
