Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a statement released on March 10, 2025, El-Rufai expressed that the APC no longer aligns with his personal values, prompting his decision to seek an alternative political platform.
El-Rufai highlighted his intention to collaborate with other opposition leaders to challenge the APC in upcoming elections leading up to 2027. He emphasized his commitment to unifying various opposition factions under the SDP to present a formidable alternative to the ruling party.
This move follows months of speculation regarding El-Rufai’s political future, especially after his ministerial nomination was withheld due to a negative security report from the State Security Service (SSS). In his statement, El-Rufai noted that recent developments within the APC have led him to conclude that the party has strayed from its founding principles, necessitating his departure.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, as he aims to rally opposition forces to challenge the APC’s dominance in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
