El-Rufai: I Defected to SDP with Buhari’s Consent

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has revealed that his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was done with the approval of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Read more on the political move.

Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has officially announced that he is leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC). He disclosed that this decision was made with the approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday, El-Rufai announced that he has switched to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), expressing discontent with the current leadership and direction of the APC.

He claimed that events from the past two years reveal that those leading the APC have no plans to tackle the party’s internal issues.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufa’i stated that he obtained Muhammadu Buhari’s approval before leaving the APC to join the SDP.

“I departed from the APC with his complete understanding. I met him on a Friday to inform him of my decision, as I involve and consult with him in all aspects.”

He recalled that during his tenure as governor, he submitted the list of commissioner-nominees to Buhari for screening, asking him to check if any of them had previously insulted him.

“After reviewing the list, he nodded in approval and offered prayers. ‘I seek his guidance in everything I do,’ he added.”

When asked about having a political godfather, El-Rufai explained, “I have individuals I consult with on every decision. I notify them of my plans, and if they advise against something, I comply. Muhammadu Buhari is my primary mentor. As for the others, I’d rather not name them to avoid any undue pressure.”

When questioned about any regrets regarding his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, El-Rufa’i responded that he has no regrets but admitted to being surprised. He explained that the reason he does not regret supporting Tinubu is because some Yoruba leaders from the South West had come to Kaduna and expressed concerns about political marginalization of Muslims in their region. This was a primary factor in his decision to back Tinubu.

The second reason is that we agreed to allocate the 2023 presidential seat to the Southern region of Nigeria for fairness, balance, and justice in the country.