{"id":18364,"date":"2025-03-10T16:18:04","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T15:18:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedailyleaks.com\/?p=18364"},"modified":"2025-03-10T16:18:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T15:18:04","slug":"el-rufai-dumps-apc-for-sdp-sets-stage-for-2027-political-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedailyleaks.com\/el-rufai-dumps-apc-for-sdp-sets-stage-for-2027-political-showdown\/","title":{"rendered":"El-Rufai dumps APC for SDP, sets stage for 2027 political showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Gideon Maxwell<\/p>\n
March 10, 2025<\/b><\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This is coming after his prolonged show of dissatisfaction with the party\u2019s leadership and direction.<\/p>\n
Despite his foundational role in the APC, El-Rufai has been increasingly vocal about the party\u2019s deviation from its core progressive ideals.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He said he perceived the party as a bastion for progressive values and democratic principles, offering a conducive environment to effect meaningful change.<\/p>\n
His move is strategically aimed at unifying opposition forces to challenge the APC\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Potential implications for the political arena<\/b><\/p>\n
El-Rufai\u2019s defection could trigger significant realignments within Nigeria\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0How to persuade people to change their behaviour<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This development opens the door for other key political figures to reconsider their affiliations, potentially leading to a more competitive and pluralistic political environment.<\/p>\n Reactions from political stakeholders<\/b><\/p>\n The APC has yet to issue an official statement regarding El-Rufai\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n However, internal sources suggest that the move, while significant, was not entirely unexpected given recent internal frictions.<\/p>\n Conversely, the SDP has warmly welcomed El-Rufai, viewing his entry as a catalyst for the party\u2019s rejuvenation and a testament to its growing appeal among prominent political figures.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This endeavour will require strategic alliances, grassroots mobilisation, and the articulation of a compelling alternative policy agenda.<\/p>\n His influence in Kaduna State and beyond will be instrumental in attracting support and galvanizing momentum for the SDP\u2019s aspirations in the 2027 elections.<\/p>\n El-Rufai\u2019s transition from the APC to the SDP marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria\u2019s political narrative.<\/p>\n It reflects broader sentiments of discontent within established political structures and a yearning for platforms that embody genuine democratic values.<\/p>\n The coming months will reveal the extent to which this defection will alter the political equilibrium and what it portends for Nigeria\u2019s democratic evolution.<\/p>\n For more insights and updates on Nigeria\u2019s political developments, stay tuned to our coverage.<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18367,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,2],"tags":[3305,507,1839,1531],"coauthors":[25],"class_list":{"0":"post-18364","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-latest-news","8":"category-top-news","9":"tag-3305","10":"tag-apc","11":"tag-el-rufai","12":"tag-sdp"},"yoast_head":"\n