BREAKING: El-Rufai Dumps APC, Joins SDP Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially left the APC and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sparking speculation about his next political move ahead of the 2027 elections.

Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and become a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

On March 10th, 2025, I submitted a letter to my ward in Kaduna resigning my APC membership effective immediately.

“After consulting with my mentors, colleagues, and loyal supporters about the future, I have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as our platform for upcoming political activities,” stated the former governor of Kaduna in a statement.

El-Rufai observed that events over the past two years demonstrate a lack of willingness from those currently leading and managing the APC to recognize, let alone tackle, the problematic circumstances within the party.

He mentioned, “I have expressed concerns both privately and recently in public about the unpredictable direction of the party.”

At this stage in my political journey, I’ve decided to seek a different platform to pursue the progressive values I hold dear.

El-Rufai expressed that while founders naturally feel connected to the institutions they establish, it’s important to be practical and recognize when differences become insurmountable.

I have dedicated myself to serving the APC and contributed significantly to its development as a political platform. However, I realize that the party has veered away from the vision established by its well-meaning founders.

As a dedicated member of the party, I contributed to achieving APC’s electoral wins in 2015, 2019, and 2023. In both 2015 and 2019, I was among several governors elected under the party’s banner who championed democratic and progressive values to promote nation-building.

The former governor emphasized that during his eight-year tenure in Kaduna State, he focused on implementing progressive policies aimed at advancing human development through education and healthcare. He also prioritized expanding infrastructure, promoting equal opportunities, creating jobs, and attracting investments.

He observed that these records hold little significance in the current APC, which has undermined its institutions and shown disregard for its members over the past two years. He found this situation unacceptable.

As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I cherish the memories of collaborating with fellow compatriots to negotiate the merger that led to its formation.

El-Rufai expressed, “Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC would remain aligned until I decide to retire from politics.”

He stated that, as an SDP member, his priority would be engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to unite under a cohesive democratic platform. The aim is to challenge the APC in all upcoming elections and by-elections through 2027.

He urged all supporters and those who care about the future of our country to join them in the SDP, working together to help Nigeria thrive as a source of pride for Africans and the Black Race.