In a dramatic political twist, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a loss of vision, internal decay, and abandonment of progressive ideals that initially defined the party.
El-Rufai made his resignation public on Monday in a statement shared via Facebook, where he also confirmed his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—a move that signals his intent to spearhead a new political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former governor, a key architect in the formation of the APC in 2013, expressed deep disappointment over what he described as the party’s hijacking by self-serving individuals who have derailed its purpose.
“As a founding member of the APC, I have fond memories of working alongside like-minded patriots to forge a political platform rooted in progressive values. However, developments in the last two years confirm that those currently in charge of the party have no desire to acknowledge, much less correct, the unhealthy state of affairs,” El-Rufai lamented.
According to him, repeated efforts to raise concerns about the party’s declining trajectory—both privately and publicly—were ignored, leaving him with no choice but to seek an alternative platform.
“I had hoped that my values and those of the APC would remain aligned until I chose to retire from politics. Unfortunately, the party has strayed beyond recognition, turning its back on good governance, democracy, and national development,” he added.
“APC Has Castrated Its Organs, Treats Members With Contempt”
El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023, did not hold back in his criticism of the current APC leadership, accusing them of running the party without internal democracy.
“The APC I helped build is no longer the party I recognize. It has castrated its organs, sidelined founding members, and treated loyalists with utter contempt. My eight years as governor were spent implementing progressive policies to uplift education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Yet, in today’s APC, such contributions mean little,” he stated.
He further recalled his role in securing APC’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, but expressed regret that the party had failed to uphold the very principles that inspired Nigerians to support it.
“I stood for democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building. However, the APC has now become a platform where principles are sacrificed for power, and loyalty is met with disregard,” he declared.
Announcing his formal resignation from the APC, El-Rufai revealed that he had submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna effective immediately.
“Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted my letter of resignation to my APC ward in Kaduna. After extensive consultations with my mentors, colleagues, and supporters across the country, I have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as our new platform for political engagement.”
More significantly, El-Rufai declared his intention to unite opposition forces against the APC, calling on Nigerians who believe in progressive governance to rally under the SDP.
“Without prejudice to this decision, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to unite under a single, formidable democratic platform. We must challenge the APC in all elections and by-elections leading up to 2027,” he asserted.
He urged Nigerians to abandon what he described as the “failed promises of the APC”, saying it was time for a new political direction.
“I call on all supporters and concerned Nigerians to join the SDP in our collective journey to restore integrity, competence, and accountability in governance. Nigeria deserves better, and we must work together to achieve it,” he added.
El-Rufai’s defection comes at a time of growing discontent within the APC, with several party chieftains and stakeholders voicing frustration over the concentration of power in a few hands and the sidelining of its founding members.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, his exit could trigger a wave of realignments among opposition parties, setting the stage for an intense political showdown against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The question now is: Will El-Rufai’s move ignite a broader exodus from the APC, or will the party weather the storm? The coming months will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 