JOINING APC WAS A MISTAKE, PARTY HAS NO DIRECTION – EL-RUFAI

 

By Jonah Israel 

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has called on opposition members to align with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in an effort to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections.

In a statement he personally signed on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai confirmed his resignation from the APC and expressed his commitment to uniting various opposition groups under one banner to effectively confront the ruling party.

"While stepping away from the APC, I am now dedicating myself to rallying other political leaders and parties to unite under a single democratic platform. Together, we will aim to present a formidable challenge to the APC in all forthcoming elections, including by-elections, ahead of the 2027 polls," El-Rufai stated.

He went on to urge his supporters and Nigerians who are concerned about the nation's future to join him in the SDP, as they work to rebuild the country into a symbol of pride for both Africa and the global Black community.

El-Rufai’s decision to part ways with the APC follows a series of high-profile consultations, including meetings with former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, renowned cleric Pastor Tunde Bakare, and former President Muhammadu Buhari. These discussions have led to speculation about potential strategic alliances as he prepares for the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Parting Ways with the APC

Reflecting on his resignation, El-Rufai expressed his disappointment with the direction the APC has taken in recent years. He acknowledged his long-standing contributions to the party but emphasized that the party's recent actions had moved away from the foundational ideals that once guided it.

“Having contributed to the formation and growth of the APC, it is difficult to part ways with it. However, when the party's trajectory deviates from the principles we once shared, it becomes essential to make a pragmatic decision," he explained. "While I worked diligently to ensure the party’s success in 2015, 2019, and 2023, recent actions by the APC, including sidelining party structures and disregarding its loyal members, have left me disillusioned.”

El-Rufai confirmed that his resignation from the APC was effective immediately, having consulted with his political mentors and colleagues across the country. “As of today, March 10, 2025, I have submitted my resignation to my ward in Kaduna. Going forward, I have chosen the SDP as my platform for political engagement and activities,” he added.