By Gideon Maxwell
March 10, 2025
In a move poised to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has officially defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Announced on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai said his departure from the ruling APC was necessitated by deep-seated concerns about the party’s current trajectory and internal dynamics.
This is coming after his prolonged show of dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and direction.
Despite his foundational role in the APC, El-Rufai has been increasingly vocal about the party’s deviation from its core progressive ideals.
Efforts to initiate internal reforms were reportedly met with resistance, leading to his decision to seek an alternative platform that aligns more closely with his vision for Nigeria’s future.
The former Kaduna State governor said his decision to join the SDP was not made lightly but was made after making due consultations with his mentors, colleagues, and loyalists around the country about the future.
He said he perceived the party as a bastion for progressive values and democratic principles, offering a conducive environment to effect meaningful change.
His move is strategically aimed at unifying opposition forces to challenge the APC’s dominance in the 2027 general elections, by consolidating various opposition elements under the SDP umbrella, El-Rufai seeks to present a formidable alternative to the electorate.
Potential implications for the political arena
El-Rufai’s defection could trigger significant realignments within Nigeria’s political sphere, as the SDP, historically a minor player, may experience a surge in prominence and support, especially from factions disillusioned with the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
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This development opens the door for other key political figures to reconsider their affiliations, potentially leading to a more competitive and pluralistic political environment.
Reactions from political stakeholders
The APC has yet to issue an official statement regarding El-Rufai’s departure.
However, internal sources suggest that the move, while significant, was not entirely unexpected given recent internal frictions.
Conversely, the SDP has warmly welcomed El-Rufai, viewing his entry as a catalyst for the party’s rejuvenation and a testament to its growing appeal among prominent political figures.
As El-Rufai embarks on this new political journey, he faces the intricate task of building a cohesive opposition capable of mounting a credible challenge to the APC.
This endeavour will require strategic alliances, grassroots mobilisation, and the articulation of a compelling alternative policy agenda.
His influence in Kaduna State and beyond will be instrumental in attracting support and galvanizing momentum for the SDP’s aspirations in the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai’s transition from the APC to the SDP marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political narrative.
It reflects broader sentiments of discontent within established political structures and a yearning for platforms that embody genuine democratic values.
The coming months will reveal the extent to which this defection will alter the political equilibrium and what it portends for Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
For more insights and updates on Nigeria’s political developments, stay tuned to our coverage.
