Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a disconnect between his values and the current direction of the ruling party.
In a statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai expressed disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accused them of undermining the party’s founding principles. He noted that despite raising concerns privately and publicly over the past two years, there had been no willingness to address internal challenges.
“Developments 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,” El-Rufai stated.
The former governor, who played a key role in the formation of the APC in 2013, recalled his contributions to the party’s electoral successes in 2015, 2019, and 2023. He also highlighted his achievements during his eight-year tenure in Kaduna State, focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment.
“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development,” he said. “These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.”
Announcing his decision to join the SDP, El-Rufai described the party as a viable platform for pursuing his political ideals. He called on his supporters and other concerned Nigerians to join him in strengthening the SDP as an alternative to the ruling party in the 2027 elections.
His defection comes amid speculations about growing divisions within the APC, as some prominent members have expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s internal democracy and governance approach.
El-Rufai’s move to the SDP is expected to shake up the political landscape ahead of the next general elections, with analysts predicting possible alignments and realignments among major political actors.
