The former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), setting the stage for a major political shake-up ahead of the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC and a key player in its historic election victories, announced his defection in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday. He accused the APC leadership of abandoning the progressive ideals that once defined the party, saying he could no longer align himself with its current trajectory.
“As a founding member of the APC, I cherished the vision we built. But in the past two years, it has become clear that the party’s current leadership is unwilling to acknowledge, let alone fix, its deteriorating state,” El-Rufai stated. “After raising concerns both privately and publicly, I have decided to seek another platform that aligns with my values and vision for Nigeria.”
His decision to join the SDP follows months of speculation about his political future, especially after he boycotted the APC National Executive Council (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings, criticizing their lack of transparency. He also made headlines after visiting former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola and popular cleric Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos, fueling rumors of a political realignment.
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El-Rufai revealed that his move to the SDP is not just a personal decision but part of a broader plan to unite opposition forces and challenge the APC in the upcoming elections. “I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders to join forces under a unified democratic platform,” he said.
His defection has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian political landscape, with many analysts predicting that his influence could reshape the 2027 presidential race. Supporters have hailed the move as a bold step toward reclaiming Nigeria’s lost glory, while critics question his ability to mobilize enough political momentum to unseat the ruling party.
As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on El-Rufai and his next political moves. Will his defection trigger a mass exodus from the APC, or will the ruling party withstand the challenge? One thing is certain: the battle for Nigeria’s political future has just begun.
