Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced his resignation from the ruling party.
The much anticipated decamping of El-Rufai could have significant implications for President Tinubu’s administration and re-election bid considering El-Rufai’s influence and experience.
This defection could bolster the opposition’s chances in upcoming 2027 elections.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, El-Rufai confirmed his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stating that he had submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna.
El-Rufai reflected on his time in the APC, saying, “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.”
However, he expressed disappointment with the party’s leadership, accusing them of ignoring internal concerns and stifling democratic structures.
El-Rufai’s displeasure aligns and resonates with some other Nigerians and politicians alike that have criticised the Tinubu’s administration as a monumental failure.
According to El-Rufai “Development 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”
He also criticized the party for “castrating its organs and treating its membership with contempt.”
The battle line between El-Rufai and President Tinubu is drawn as he vow to work alongside other political enemies of Tinubu to unseat him.
As a member of the SDP, El-Rufai plans to work towards uniting opposition parties to challenge the APC in future elections, including the 2027 general election.
“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,” El-Rufai said.
El- Rufai is hitting the ground running in his new party SDP by calling on his supporters and others concerned about Nigeria’s future to join him in the SDP.
“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.”
Nasir El-Rufai’s departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has significant implications for Nigerian politics.
As a founding member of the APC, El-Rufai played a crucial role in securing the party’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
El-Rufai’s exit is likely to weaken the APC’s structure in Kaduna State and potentially affect the party’s performance in future elections.
His decision may also influence other politicians, particularly in the North, to reevaluate their allegiance to the APC .
The SDP, on the other hand, stands to gain from El-Rufai’s membership. His political clout and experience could bolster the party’s chances in upcoming elections.
El-Rufai has already announced plans to engage with other opposition leaders and parties to create a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC
Key Implications of El-Rufai APC exit could be Weakened APC Structure in Kaduna State and potentially affect the party’s performance in future elections.
Boost to SDP_: The SDP stands to gain from El-Rufai’s membership, potentially bolstering the party’s chances in upcoming elections.
Realignment of Political Forces: El-Rufai’s decision may influence other politicians, particularly in the North, to reevaluate their allegiance to the APC.- _New Opposition Alliance_: El-Rufai’s plans to engage with other opposition leaders and parties could lead to a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC.
The chicken coming home to roast!
