In a surprising political twist, former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His defection has attracted widespread attention from political stakeholders and analysts nationwide.
El-Rufai, a prominent founding member of the APC, announced his exit from the party on March 10, 2025. He attributed his decision to the APC’s departure from its original principles and the erosion of internal democracy within the party.
In his resignation letter, El-Rufai stated, “The APC has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.”
He further declared his intent to pursue his political aspirations under the SDP’s banner, stating, “I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.”
Dr. Olu Agunloye, the National Secretary of the SDP, warmly welcomed El-Rufai’s decision, expressing optimism about the positive impact the former governor would bring to the party.
According to Agunloye, “El-Rufai is well known for his vibrant productivity as proprietor of Intercellular company, as boss of BPE, as Minister, as Governor of Kaduna, and as a person and politician. He will add value.”
“The former minister and former governor, El-Rufai, is welcome to our great party. The key issue is not about how to welcome or celebrate him but what he is bringing on the table and what his motives and programmes are.
“But he will have to disclose his reasons for leaving the ruling party to join SDP. But I presume it is related to 2027 because we are in the season of alignments, alliances, and coalitions for power”.
He noted that the increasing interest from high-profile politicians like El-Rufai indicates the SDP’s growing appeal. “The big shots are coming, and there are indications that more big shots are preparing to come,” Agunloye added.
Agunloye stressed the importance of building partnerships based on genuine dedication to resolving national challenges such as economic instability, social insecurity, and sustainable development.
He cautioned that collaborations driven by personal ambitions could harm the party’s objectives, warning that misguided partnerships “could crash the SDP platform.”
He added, “We will work together to fashion out a smooth and effective platform for the transformation of Nigeria.”
“But if what they want is a collaboration based on conspiracy or hangup against any individual or just for grabbing power for its sake, their mission will fail and could crash the SDP platform.”
“The coming of more politicians can strengthen SDP if handled diligently and constructively not just to position SDP as a third force but as the first force. But the influx may be counterproductive, too”
Meanwhile, Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, expressed enthusiasm over El-Rufai’s membership.
“Now is the time for good politics,” Adebayo said, indicating that El-Rufai’s involvement could enhance the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai’s defection has sparked discussions about potential realignments within the Nigerian political landscape, with reports suggesting that more prominent politicians may follow his path and join the SDP before the 2027 elections.
As the SDP seeks to accommodate new members while preserving its core values, its leadership remains focused on establishing itself as a formidable force in the coming electoral cycle.
