Immediate past Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), announcing his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai made the announcement on his verified social media handles on Monday, marking the end of his long association with the party he helped to establish.
As a founding member of the APC, El-Rufai expressed deep disappointment with the current leadership, stating that the party has veered away from the progressive values it was built on.
In a resignation letter submitted to his ward in Kaduna, the former governor revealed that after thorough consultations with political mentors and loyalists across the country, he had made the decision to seek a new platform that better aligns with his principles.
“My decision to leave the APC is a result of an unbridgeable divergence in the party’s direction and values,” El-Rufai stated in the letter. “Despite my dedication and service to the party, it has become clear that the APC no longer represents the ideals that guided its founding. I can no longer stand by as the party strays from its original purpose.”
El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna’s governor for eight years, was a key figure in the party’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, however he expressed frustration with what he described as the APC’s disregard for its members and internal structures in recent years.
In his statement, the former governor also outlined his future plans within the SDP, emphasizing his commitment to the party’s mission of nation-building and democratic advancement.
“I have now decided to join the SDP, a party that shares my vision for Nigeria’s future,” El-Rufai declared. We will work towards a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all upcoming elections, with the goal of reclaiming Nigeria for the people.”
El-Rufai also called for a coalition of opposition parties, urging them to unite and form a formidable force capable of contesting the APC in the 2027 elections. He expressed hope that the SDP could become a beacon of progress and unity for Nigerians who are disillusioned with the current political system.
“As a member of the SDP, I will work tirelessly to bring together other opposition leaders and parties to create a unified front,” he said. “Together, we can make Nigeria flourish as a proud nation for Africa and the entire Black race.” He added.
