Just-In: El-Rufai leaves APC, joins SDP over growing disagreements

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a letter submitted on Monday, March 10, 2025, to his local party office in Kaduna, El-Rufai explained that he was resigning due to irreconcilable differences with the leadership of the APC. He also expressed disappointment in how the party had been moving in recent years.

“I have worked hard for the APC and contributed to its growth,” El-Rufai said. “But over the past two years, it has become clear that the party no longer respects the democratic principles and progressive values I believe in.”

El-Rufai, who was a founding member of the APC, played a significant role in the party’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. Reflecting on his time as governor, he highlighted his focus on improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and attracting investments.

He added that his decision to leave the APC was driven by concerns over the party’s internal workings and the direction of governance.

“At this stage in my political journey, I must find another platform to pursue the progressive values I hold dear,” he said.

When announcing his switch to the SDP, El-Rufai thanked his mentors, colleagues, and supporters, and stressed his commitment to supporting democratic principles.

“As a member of the SDP, I aim to help build a strong, united platform to challenge the APC in future elections,” he said.

This decision comes shortly after El-Rufai denied rumours that he planned to leave the APC. Just days earlier, he had told journalists at a national conference on democracy in Abuja that he had no intention of quitting the party and hoped for better performance from its leadership.