A former Governor of Kaduna State, who was also one of the key figures in creating the All Progressives Congress (APC), has left the ruling party to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Nasir El-Rufai announced his decision on his Facebook page on Monday, 10th March 2025. He explained that the main reason for his move was the growing difference between his personal beliefs and the current direction of the APC.
El-Rufai was a crucial part of the merger in 2013 that led to the formation of the APC. He said, “Since 2013, I had hoped that my values and those of the APC would stay aligned until I decided to retire from politics.”
However, he added that the issues within the party over the past two years have not been resolved. He stated, “Those running the APC today show no interest in recognising or addressing these problems.”
El-Rufai shared that he had raised concerns both privately and publicly about the party’s direction. He said, “I have now reached a point where I must find a new political platform to continue fighting for the progressive values I believe in.”
He acknowledged his attachment to the APC, having helped build it, but admitted that the party has moved away from its original vision. “I served the APC faithfully and contributed to its success, but it has drifted from the goals set by its founders,” he said.
El-Rufai played a significant role in helping the APC win elections in 2015, 2019, and 2023. He was also elected as governor twice under the party’s platform. During his eight years as governor of Kaduna State, he focused on improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.
However, he feels that the current APC leadership has ignored these efforts and treated its members poorly. “This is no longer acceptable to me,” he said.
On 10th March 2025, El-Rufai officially resigned from the APC.
In his Facebook post, he wrote, “Today, I submitted my resignation letter to my local APC ward in Kaduna. After consulting with my mentors, colleagues, and supporters, I have decided to join the SDP.
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He added that he plans to work with other opposition leaders and parties to create a strong, unified platform to challenge the APC in future elections. “I urge all my supporters and those who care about Nigeria’s future to join me in the SDP as we work towards building a better nation,” he concluded.
“Thank you, and may God bless the Social Democratic Party.”
There are speculations that Mr El-Rufai has a dream of becoming the President of Nigeria one day and one of his reasons for moving to SDP is to be the party Presidential candidate in 2027.
