In a significant political shift, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kaduna State, announced his resignation from the APC and his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This move underscores El-Rufai’s dissatisfaction with the current direction of the APC and his commitment to aligning with a platform that embodies his progressive ideals.
Departure from APC
El-Rufai’s political journey with the APC began in 2013 when he played a pivotal role in merging various political factions to establish the party. Reflecting on this period, he remarked, “It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will align up to the time I choose to retire from politics.” However, recent developments have led him to believe that the party has deviated from its foundational principles. He expressed concern over the leadership’s apparent disregard for internal challenges, stating, “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 highlighted his efforts to address these issues both privately and publicly but lamented the lack of responsiveness. This impasse prompted his decision to seek an alternative political platform. “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 asserted.
Contributions to APC and Kaduna State
Throughout his tenure with the APC, El-Rufai was instrumental in securing electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. As Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, he implemented policies aimed at enhancing human development, particularly in education and healthcare. His administration focused on expanding infrastructure, promoting equality of opportunity, creating jobs, and attracting investments. Despite these achievements, he feels that the current APC leadership has marginalized its members and undermined internal party structures over the past two years. “These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt,” he noted.
Transition to the Social Democratic Party
Effective March 10, 2025, El-Rufai submitted his resignation from the APC to his ward in Kaduna and declared his membership with the SDP. He emphasized that this decision followed extensive consultations with mentors, colleagues, and supporters. Looking ahead, El-Rufai intends to collaborate with other opposition leaders to form a unified front against the APC in upcoming elections. He called on supporters and concerned citizens to join the SDP, envisioning a Nigeria that stands as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.
Background and Speculations
El-Rufai’s departure from the APC comes after a series of events that hinted at his growing discontent. In July 2023, President Bola Tinubu nominated him for a ministerial position, but the Senate withheld confirmation due to a negative security report from the State Security Service (SSS). Subsequently, in December 2023, El-Rufai co-founded a venture capital firm in Abuja with a $100 million investment commitment aimed at boosting the economy of northern Nigeria. By March 2024, his meetings with SDP leaders fueled media speculation about a potential defection, which he confirmed in his recent announcement.
Reactions and Implications
El-Rufai’s defection has elicited varied reactions across the political spectrum. Some political analysts view this as a strategic move that could reshape the dynamics of Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. His alignment with the SDP, a party with historical significance, might attract other disenchanted members from major parties, potentially altering electoral calculations.
Supporters laud his decision as a courageous step toward revitalizing progressive politics in Nigeria. They believe his track record in Kaduna State demonstrates a commitment to reform and development that could benefit the nation on a larger scale. Conversely, critics argue that his departure from the APC may be driven by personal ambitions rather than ideological differences. They caution that party-switching is a common phenomenon in Nigerian politics, often leading to instability and fragmented opposition.
Future Prospects
As El-Rufai embarks on this new chapter with the SDP, the political landscape in Nigeria may witness significant shifts. His influence and network could bolster the SDP’s prominence, challenging the dominance of established parties. The success of this endeavor will depend on his ability to galvanize support, present a coherent alternative to the electorate, and maintain the progressive values he advocates.
In his concluding remarks, El-Rufai expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to join him in building a nation that exemplifies the aspirations of Africans worldwide. “I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race,” he proclaimed.
As the political arena anticipates the ripple effects of El-Rufai’s defection, stakeholders and observers alike will be keenly watching how this development influences the trajectory of Nigerian politics in the coming years.
