El-Rufai Dumps APC, Joins SDP Over ‘Irreconcilable Differences’ 

El-Rufai Dumps APC, Joins SDP Over ‘Irreconcilable Differences’

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable differences with the APC leadership.

In his resignation letter submitted to his ward in Kaduna on Monday, El-Rufai expressed disappointment with the party’s trajectory.

“I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform.

However, developments in the last two years have confirmed a troubling disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear,” he stated.

A founding member of the APC, El-Rufai played a key role in the party’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. During his tenure as governor, he prioritized human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment.

Despite his contributions, he cited growing concerns about governance and internal party dynamics as reasons for his departure.

“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” he declared.

Speculation about his defection grew after several of his associates in Kaduna recently joined the SDP. Over the weekend, he also met with former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola and Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos, further fueling political discussions.

Announcing his move to the SDP, El-Rufai thanked his mentors, colleagues, and supporters, reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles.

“As a member of the SDP, I am committed to fostering a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections,” he said.