Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai disclosed his decision in a statement released on Monday, expressing his dissatisfaction with the current leadership style of the APC, accusing the party of straying from the foundational progressive ideals on which it was originally established.
In his statement, El-Rufai recalled his role as a founding member of the APC, noting he played an active part in the negotiations that birthed the party in 2013. He said:
“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.
“It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics. 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.”
He further explained his decision:
“On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.”
El-Rufai emphasized his contributions to the APC and expressed regret that the party had deviated from the vision of its founders:
“Founders rightly feel attached towards institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable. I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform, but I recognize that the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.”
He highlighted his efforts during his eight-year tenure as governor:
“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, as well as expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs and attract investments. 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 move to the SDP, El-Rufai stated:
“Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.”
He further revealed his intentions within the SDP:
“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.”
Finally, El-Rufai urged supporters and other Nigerians committed to the country’s future to join him:
“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.”
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