Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Governor of Kaduna State, has left the APC to join the SDP, citing discontent with the ruling party’s current direction. His move reflects a broader dissatisfaction and a desire to pursue progressive values within a united opposition framework ahead of future elections.
Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, officially announced his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), opting to join the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP). This defection was confirmed in a statement on his verified Facebook page. El-Rufai had hinted about his potential exit from the ruling party during a February interview on Arise News, indicating that he would remain in the APC until it failed to meet its obligations.
In his statement, El-Rufai expressed disappointment with the party’s current direction, noting that he had raised concerns about its trajectory. He stated, “I did not leave the party, the party left me,” emphasizing the disconnect between his values and those of the APC. Throughout his tenure, he campaigned for President Bola Tinubu and contributed to the party’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
As a founder, El-Rufai reflected on his contributions to the APC, highlighting his commitment to democratic principles and progressive policies while serving as governor. He criticized the APC for drifting away from these founding values and stated that he felt sidelined. El-Rufai’s resignation takes immediate effect, and he has begun engaging with the SDP, aiming to unite opposition parties to challenge the APC in future elections.
He concludes his statement by inviting supporters to join the SDP in a collective effort to improve Nigeria. His journey reflects an evolution in his political ideology, seeking alignment with a party that embodies his progressive vision for the country’s future.
El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the SDP marks a significant political shift as he expresses discontent with his former party’s current direction. His resignation highlights a divergence from the founding values of the APC, showcasing a quest for a political platform more aligned with his progressive beliefs. El-Rufai aims to foster unity among opposition parties as he advocates for a vision of Nigeria that prioritizes democracy and development.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
