Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, has disclosed that he informed former President Muhammadu Buhari about his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling party, defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Monday, citing an unhealthy situation in the party.
El-Rufai stated that he left the APC because the party had deviated from its founding principles. He explained that the party had abandoned its ideals, people, and was now driven by personal interests and wealth. El-Rufai also mentioned that appointments were controlled by a select group from Lagos, and the party had become a business enterprise where everything had a price.
El-Rufai revealed that he had a discussion with Buhari about his decision to leave the APC and join the SDP. He said, “I left the APC with his full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party, because I involve and consult with him on all my matters.”
El-Rufai also stated that he had no regrets supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. However, he was surprised by Tinubu’s actions. El-Rufai explained that he supported Tinubu because some Yoruba leaders from the South West had visited Kaduna and informed him that the Muslims of their region were being politically marginalized.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been a dominant force in Nigerian politics since its formation in 2013. The party has produced two presidents, Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, and has a strong presence in the National Assembly. However, the party has faced several challenges, including internal conflicts and criticisms of its governance style.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been gaining momentum in Nigerian politics, with several high-profile defections from the APC and other parties. The party has positioned itself as a viable alternative to the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with a focus on social justice and good governance.
El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC and join the SDP is a significant development in Nigerian politics. The former governor’s criticisms of the APC’s governance style and his decision to join a smaller party reflect the growing dissatisfaction with the country’s major parties. As the SDP continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how the party will perform in future elections.