Kaduna, Nigeria – Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai confirmed his exit from the ruling party in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday, March 10, 2025. His decision follows growing concerns over the direction of the APC, which he believes no longer aligns with its founding principles.
Earlier in the day, a leaked resignation letter made rounds on social media, fueling speculation about his defection. However, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, declined to comment on the matter.
A former commissioner in El-Rufai’s administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development to Daily Trust. According to him, the move was long expected by those in the former governor’s political circle.
“Yes, we were all aware that he would resign today, March 10, 2025, and join SDP. That was the final step we had been waiting for,” the source stated.
Why El-Rufai Left the APC
In his resignation letter, the former governor expressed disappointment in the APC leadership, stating that the party had strayed from the progressive ideals it was founded upon.
“As a founding member of the APC, I had hoped that my values and those of the party would remain aligned throughout my political career. However, developments over the last two years show that those controlling the party are unwilling to address its internal challenges,” he wrote.
El-Rufai noted that despite his contributions to the party’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, the APC had become unresponsive to its members and had undermined its internal democratic structures.
“The party has abandoned the vision of its well-meaning founders, and I can no longer remain in a political structure that disregards its principles,” he added.
A New Political Path with the SDP
Following his exit from the APC, El-Rufai announced his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He revealed plans to rally opposition parties and political figures under a unified platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections.
“As a member of the SDP, I will focus on building a coalition of opposition leaders to contest all elections and bye-elections leading up to 2027. I urge my supporters and all Nigerians concerned about our country’s future to join us in this mission,” he stated.
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