An associate of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has confirmed the former governor of Kaduna State’s decision to defect, following the circulation of a letter on social media.
In the letter, which is currently trending, El-Rufai reportedly announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped to establish.
The letter, titled “Onwards to the Future”, states: “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I cherish the memories of collaborating with fellow patriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that formed the APC. Since 2013, it has been my hope that my personal values would remain aligned with those of the APC until my eventual retirement from politics.
However, developments over the past two years have shown that those currently in charge of the APC have no desire to acknowledge, let alone address, the concerning state of the party. I have voiced my concerns privately, and more recently in public, regarding the erratic direction of the party. Consequently, I have concluded that it is time for me to seek a new political platform that reflects the progressive values I hold dear. Therefore, on the 10th of March 2025, I have submitted my resignation from the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Following this, I have engaged in consultations with my mentors, colleagues, and supporters, and I have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which I will adopt as the platform for my future political endeavours.”
Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s spokesperson, did not respond to several requests for comment on the letter.
However, sources within El-Rufai’s camp have confirmed that arrangements are in place for the former governor to submit his resignation letter to the APC in his Kaduna ward.
An ally, who served as a commissioner during El-Rufai’s administration, told Daily Trust that El-Rufai would officially leave the APC for the SDP today.
“Yes, we are all aware that he (El-Rufai) will tender his resignation from the APC today, Monday, 10th March 2025, and join the SDP. That is all we have been waiting for,” the source stated.
The source added that El-Rufai’s supporters were not surprised by the leaked letter, as they were already informed about the impending change.
He affirmed that, having worked closely with the former governor, he could guarantee the authenticity of the letter, although it has yet to be shared on El-Rufai’s social media platforms, where he is an active user.
Last week, Daily Trust reported exclusively that El-Rufai’s ally, Nasiru Abdullahi Maikano, had been appointed the new interim chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the SDP in Kaduna State.
El-Rufai, who has recently been outspoken in his criticism of the ruling party, has been engaged in discussions with key opposition figures.
On Sunday, he met with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, the former governor of Osun State and a former associate of President Bola Tinubu.
He has also held several meetings with SDP leaders.
