I Left APC To SDP After Buhari’s Approval – El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party’s deviation from its founding principles. El-Rufai, a key figure in APC’s formation, announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, the former governor revealed that he sought former President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval before making his decision to leave the party. He stated that throughout his political career, he always consulted Buhari before taking major actions, including appointing commissioners while serving as Kaduna’s governor.

“I left APC with his knowledge. I went to him on Friday and informed him that I was leaving the party. There is nothing I do without informing him,” El-Rufai disclosed.

He further explained that he submitted lists of nominees for government positions to Buhari to ensure that none had ever criticized the former president.

El-Rufai’s defection comes amid his dissatisfaction with APC’s leadership under President Bola Tinubu. He accused the party of abandoning its progressive ideals, turning into a “business enterprise where everything has a price.”

“The APC has strayed from its founding principles. Those who worked for the party are not recognized, let alone rewarded. Appointments are now controlled by a select group from Lagos. The party is dead,” he lamented.

Despite expressing disappointment in Tinubu’s administration, El-Rufai insisted that he had no regrets supporting the president in 2023. He explained that his decision to back Tinubu was influenced by a commitment to power rotation and an appeal from Yoruba Muslim leaders in the Southwest.

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“I feel blindsided, but I have no regrets. I supported Tinubu because we agreed that the presidency should return to the South for balance and fairness,” he stated.

El-Rufai’s defection to SDP is expected to reshape the political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections. His move raises questions about whether other APC members disillusioned with Tinubu’s leadership might follow suit.

As a founding member of APC, El-Rufai expressed disappointment that the party had been taken over by individuals who have “strayed from its progressive vision.” He criticized the leadership for disregarding internal democracy and treating loyal party members with contempt.

“Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control APC have no desire to address the party’s unhealthy situation,” he noted in a Facebook statement.

With his new political alignment, El-Rufai’s next steps will be closely watched, especially as Nigeria gears up for the next electoral cycle. His influence, particularly in the North, could play a crucial role in shaping the opposition against APC in the coming years.

Political analysts believe El-Rufai’s move could strengthen SDP as a formidable opposition force. However, whether his influence will be enough to challenge the dominance of APC and PDP remains to be seen.