In a surprising political twist, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai announced his resignation on Monday, March 10, 2025, citing a divergence of values and principles as the primary reason for his decision.
In his resignation letter, El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, reflected on the party’s evolution since its formation in 2013. He expressed disappointment over recent developments within the party, stating that the APC had strayed from the progressive ideals upon which it was established.
“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC,” El-Rufai stated. “It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC would continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics.”
However, he noted that the trajectory of the party over the last two years had become increasingly troubling, with little effort from its current leadership to address what he described as an “unhealthy situation.” El-Rufai lamented that his efforts to raise concerns privately and publicly had yielded no positive change, leading him to the conclusion that he must seek another platform that aligns with his progressive values.
The former governor acknowledged his unwavering loyalty to the APC during his tenure, particularly in championing the party’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. He also highlighted his commitment to implementing progressive policies during his eight-year stewardship in Kaduna State, including advancements in education, healthcare, infrastructure development, job creation, and investment attraction.
Nonetheless, he expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s current leadership, accusing it of undermining democratic principles and disregarding the contributions of its members. “These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable,” he said.
El-Rufai revealed that he had engaged in extensive consultations with mentors, colleagues, and supporters before making his decision. He confirmed that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna and would henceforth align himself with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“As a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God,” he affirmed.
El-Rufai called on his supporters and Nigerians committed to the nation’s progress to rally behind the SDP, expressing optimism that the party would become a formidable force capable of restoring the nation’s lost glory and setting it on the path of sustainable development.
