Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a misalignment between his values and the ruling party’s current direction.
El-Rufai announced on Monday, March 10, that he is deeply disappointed with the APC leadership and that the party has deviated from the progressive principles 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 stated.
As one of the key architects of the APC’s formation in 2013, El-Rufai recalled his role in merging political groups that led to its creation. He also highlighted his contributions to the party’s victories in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections, alongside the reforms he spearheaded in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and investment during his tenure as Kaduna governor.
“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. This is no longer acceptable to me,” he added.
El-Rufai formally submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna State and confirmed his move to the SDP, calling on his supporters to follow him. He described the party as the right platform to promote progressive governance and urged Nigerians seeking change ahead of the 2027 elections to rally behind him.
