Former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has officially left the ruling party and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai made this announcement in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, citing growing differences between his personal values and the current state of the APC.
The former governor expressed disappointment in the leadership of the APC, stating that the party had drifted from the progressive ideals it was founded on. He noted that his concerns about the party’s direction had been raised privately in the past and more recently in public, but no meaningful efforts were made to address them.
El-Rufai, who played a key role in the formation of the APC in 2013, explained that he had hoped to remain aligned with the party’s principles until his retirement from politics. However, he stated that recent developments had made it clear that those in control of the APC were unwilling to acknowledge or fix the challenges facing the party.
“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics,” El-Rufai said in his statement.
He further noted that despite his loyalty and contributions to the APC, the party had taken a different path that no longer reflected the vision of its original founders. As a result, he made the decision to seek another political platform that aligns with his progressive beliefs.
El-Rufai confirmed that he had submitted his resignation from the APC and, after consulting with his mentors, colleagues, and political associates, chose to join the SDP in preparation for the 2027 general elections. He also stated that as a member of the SDP, he would work towards uniting opposition leaders and parties to challenge the APC in future elections.
“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, 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 added.
El-Rufai also urged his supporters and Nigerians at large to join the SDP, stating that the party aims to restore Nigeria’s position as a source of pride for Africa and the black race.
