The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence that the defection of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) will not affect the party’s fortunes in the state.
According to the Secretary of the Kaduna APC, Yahaya Baba-Pate, the party remains focused on delivering the state to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP was reportedly due to a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC [1]. However, the Kaduna APC has downplayed the impact of his departure, citing the party’s growing strength in the state.
Baba-Pate expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength, citing the influx of high-profile politicians joining the party daily in the state [1]. He emphasized that the party’s fortunes will not be affected by El-Rufai’s departure.
The SDP has welcomed El-Rufai’s defection, with the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, expressing delight at the former governor’s decision to join the party. Adebayo described El-Rufai’s entry as a vital addition to the SDP’s mission to rescue Nigeria from years of poor governance and underdevelopment.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP may have significant implications for the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections [3]. However, the Kaduna APC’s confidence in its growing strength suggests that the party remains optimistic about its prospects.
The Kaduna APC’s response to El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP reflects the party’s confidence in its growing strength and its ability to deliver the state to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027 [1]. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC and SDP will likely engage in intense political maneuvering, with the outcome uncertain.