The Kaduna chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed concerns over the defection of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!El-Rufai announced his exit from the APC on Monday, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and its deviation from its founding progressive ideals.
Reacting to the defection, Kaduna APC Secretary Yahaya Pate stated that the party remains focused on securing victories for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the 2027 elections.
“We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani come 2027,” Pate affirmed.
Pate emphasized that the APC’s growing membership base reflects the party’s continued strength in the state, adding that the party would not lose sleep over El-Rufai’s political move.
El-Rufai’s defection stemmed from frustrations with the APC leadership’s handling of issues he had previously raised.
“At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” El-Rufai stated.
He reflected on his eight-year tenure in Kaduna, during which he implemented various progressive policies. However, he lamented that recent APC decisions had sidelined its core principles and mistreated its members.
El-Rufai’s political influence dates back to his role in securing APC victories in the 2015 and 2023 presidential elections. Although he was initially considered for a ministerial role in President Tinubu’s administration, he was excluded from the final list, a move that strained his ties with the party.
