Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a disconnect between his values and the party’s current direction.
El-Rufai announced his defection in a statement on Monday, March 10, expressing disappointment with the APC leadership. He accused the ruling party of abandoning the progressive ideals that guided its formation.
“For the past two years, I have repeatedly voiced my concerns, both privately and publicly, about the state of the APC. Unfortunately, those in control of the party have shown no willingness to address these issues,” he said.
The former governor, a key figure in the APC’s formation in 2013, recalled his role in merging political groups that led to the party’s creation.
He highlighted his contributions to its electoral victories in 2015, 2019 and 2023, as well as his tenure in Kaduna State, where he implemented reforms in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and investment.
“My eight-year tenure was devoted to advancing human development. However, the APC’s leadership in the last two years has sidelined its core structures and disregarded its members,” he said. “This is no longer acceptable to me.”
El-Rufai’s resignation was formally submitted to his ward in Kaduna State, and he confirmed his move to the SDP, calling on his supporters to follow suit.
He described the party as the right platform to champion progressive governance and urged Nigerians seeking change ahead of the 2027 elections to join him.
