Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai, a founding member member of the ruling party, has pitched his tent with the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.
He cited irreconcilable differences with the current leadership of the APC for his decision.
The former minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) announced his resignation from the APC in a submitted on Monday to his ward in Kaduna.
He expressed his disillusionment with the party’s direction in recent years.
“I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform,” the letter reads.
“However, developments in the last two years have confirmed a troubling disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear.”
He highlighted his role in securing electoral victories for the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, emphasising his commitment to advancing human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment in Kaduna state during his tenure as governor.
“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” el-Rufai said.
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He expressed gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, and supporters for their counsel and announced his decision to join the SDP.
“As a member of the SDP, I am committed to fostering a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections,” he said.
He called on all Nigerians who are genuinely concerned about the country’s future to join him in the SDP’s endeavour to elevate Nigeria as a beacon of pride for Africa and the black race.
He called for unity and progress, pledging to devote his efforts towards building a stronger democratic alternative in Nigeria.
