By Bashir Aliyu
Abuja, Nigeria – In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The announcement was made on Monday, March 10, 2025, in a statement titled “Onwards to the Future.”
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC and one of its most influential figures, cited a lack of internal democracy and a departure from the party’s founding principles as the primary reasons for his decision. He expressed disappointment with the current leadership of the APC, accusing them of disregarding the progressive values that initially defined the party.
“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 in the party,” El-Rufai stated.
The former governor, who served Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, highlighted his contributions to the APC’s electoral successes in 2015, 2019, and 2023, as well as his efforts to implement progressive policies during his tenure. However, he lamented that these achievements now “count for little” in a party that has “castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt.”
“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories, but I must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable,” he added.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s political dynamics. In his statement, he revealed that he had concluded consultations with mentors, colleagues, and supporters before making the decision. He also called on other opposition leaders and parties to unite under a “unified democratic platform” to challenge the APC in future elections.
“I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God,” he declared.
The SDP, which has been gaining momentum as a viable alternative to the ruling party, welcomed El-Rufai with open arms. The party’s leadership described his defection as a “major boost” to its efforts to reposition itself as a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
Political analysts have noted that El-Rufai’s move could significantly alter the balance of power, particularly in Kaduna State and the broader northern region. His extensive grassroots network and influence are expected to bolster the SDP’s chances in upcoming elections.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, El-Rufai’s defection has ignited a fresh wave of political realignments, with many speculating that more high-profile defections could follow. For now, the former governor’s decision has set the stage for a fierce political battle, as the SDP aims to challenge the APC’s dominance and reshape Nigeria’s political future.
