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Former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has formally resigned from the ruling party and defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai cited growing disillusionment with the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of deviating from its founding principles. He expressed concerns over the party’s failure to uphold progressive governance and internal democracy, which he believes have been systematically eroded over the past two years.

Discontent with APC Leadership

El-Rufai, a key architect of the APC’s formation in 2013, revealed that he had repeatedly raised concerns—both privately and publicly—about the party’s trajectory, but his appeals were ignored.

"The events of the past two years confirm that those currently in control of the APC have no intention of addressing the party’s internal decay," he said.
"At this stage of my political journey, I can no longer remain in a party that has strayed so far from the progressive ideals we envisioned. It is time to seek a new political platform that aligns with my values."

Contributions to APC and Kaduna State

El-Rufai played a pivotal role in negotiating the merger of opposition parties that led to the APC’s creation and contributed significantly to its electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. During his tenure as Kaduna State governor (2015–2023), he implemented reforms focused on:

• Education and healthcare
• Infrastructure development
• Job creation and investment

However, he lamented that his contributions and those of other committed members had been undermined by the APC’s current leadership.

"My eight years as governor were dedicated to implementing progressive policies aimed at advancing human development," he stated.
"Yet, the APC has systematically sidelined its core structures, disregarded its members, and abandoned the vision that brought it to power. I can no longer accept this."

A New Political Direction

El-Rufai’s resignation took immediate effect, with his formal letter submitted to his ward in Kaduna State. He also confirmed his decision to join the SDP, describing it as the best platform for his future political engagements.

Encouraging his supporters to follow suit, he emphasized the need for a united opposition to challenge the APC’s dominance, calling on like-minded Nigerians to join him in building a credible alternative for democratic governance.

Source: The West