Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sparked intense political debates and criticisms.
While he cited disillusionment with the APC as his primary reason, reactions from party stakeholders, opposition figures, and political analysts have been mixed.
El-Rufai’s reasons for defection
On March 10, 2025, El-Rufai announced his resignation from the APC, stating that the party had deviated from its founding principles and had become intolerant of internal democracy.
He accused the leadership of sidelining members and failing to fulfill the promises that brought them to power.
El-Rufai also hinted at engaging other opposition figures to build a stronger coalition ahead of future elections.
APC’s response
The All Progressives Congress, APC, dismissed El-Rufai’s defection as an act of political desperation.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described his criticisms as emotionally driven and suggested that his grievances stemmed from his unsuccessful attempt to secure a ministerial position in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Morka argued that El-Rufai’s decision to join the SDP was motivated by personal ambitions rather than any ideological commitment.
Mixed reactions within the SDP
El-Rufai’s entry into the SDP has not been entirely welcomed within the party.
Some leaders see him as a valuable political figure, while others fear his presence could destabilize the party.
The SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition rejected his membership, accusing him of having an anti-democratic leadership style.
Similarly, SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, acknowledged El-Rufai’s strengths but also pointed out his political shortcomings.
Concerns about his defection
Former state assembly aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada, also criticized El-Rufai’s move, arguing that it was not motivated by a desire to uplift the common people but rather by personal frustration over his declining influence in the APC.
“I don’t think El-Rufai joined the SDP for the sake of the masses; rather, he did so because he no longer has a future in the APC. This is the same man who insisted that power must return to the South, even though such a requirement is not written in the constitution. Leadership is about justice, regardless of where one comes from. If Tinubu had given him a ministerial appointment, why didn’t he reject it? This is just noise after defeat. He started attacking Tinubu’s government only because his political ambitions could no longer be realized in the APC, and PDP was not an option for him,” he told DAILY POST.
Tudunwada further expressed doubts about El-Rufai’s intentions in forming an opposition alliance, suggesting that his goal was to gather political figures around him for his own advantage rather than genuinely building a strong alternative to the ruling APC.
“El-Rufai is not the one to follow. I also support an opposition alliance, but not the kind he wants—where people are only rallying behind him because he knows exactly what he is doing,” he added.
Speculations about political realignments
El-Rufai’s defection has fueled rumors about further shifts in the political landscape.
The SDP National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, hinted that more politicians might leave the APC to join the SDP. Names such as former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have been mentioned, though Fayemi has denied any plans to leave the APC.
Concerns from political allies
Even within his circles, some believe El-Rufai’s defection was premature.
Salihu Lukman, a former APC National Vice-Chairman (North West) and close ally of El-Rufai, argued that the move might harm efforts to build a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Lukman suggested that El-Rufai should have exercised more patience before making such a drastic decision.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP remains a contentious issue, with arguments on both sides.
While he portrays himself as a leader championing good governance and opposition unity, his critics believe his move is driven by personal grievances and political survival rather than genuine commitment to democratic principles.
As Nigeria heads towards another election cycle, his defection may influence future political alignments, but whether it will benefit him or the opposition as a whole remains to be seen.
