Following his resignation, Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has been proactive in rallying opposition figures to form a formidable front against the ruling party. In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, he dismissed the idea of a merger and instead urged prominent politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, to join the SDP. El-Rufai emphasized that a unified SDP could effectively challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Symfoni News reports that El-Rufai, officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This move, announced on March 10, 2025, underscores El-Rufai’s growing discontent with the APC’s current direction and his ambition to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Citing a misalignment of values and a departure from the party’s founding principles, he expressed deep disappointment with the APC’s trajectory in recent years. In his resignation letter submitted to his ward in Kaduna State, El-Rufai lamented the leadership’s failure to address internal concerns and the stifling of democratic structures within the party.
This call for unity comes amid reports of strategic realignments within the opposition. Allies of Atiku Abubakar have reportedly held private meetings with SDP leaders, signaling potential collaborations. These discussions aim to consolidate efforts to present a united front in the upcoming elections. Additionally, there are indications that some governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are advocating for an El-Rufai/Obi ticket, reflecting a broader strategy to unify opposition forces.
Related: “I informed my godfather, Buhari before dumping APC”-El-Rufai Reveals
El-Rufai’s strategic maneuvering reflects a deep-seated concern about the current administration’s direction. He expressed disappointment with President Tinubu’s performance, contrasting it with the expectations set by Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor. El-Rufai highlighted that despite Tinubu’s past achievements, the current administration has failed to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.
The presidency, however, has downplayed these political shifts. Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, stated that President Tinubu is currently focused on improving the economic conditions of Nigerians rather than the next election. Dare highlighted positive economic indicators, including increased foreign reserves, reduced inflation, and a trade surplus, attributing these improvements to the administration’s reforms.
Despite these assurances, El-Rufai remains resolute in his mission to restructure the political landscape. He has called on opposition leaders to prioritize party building over personal ambitions, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to challenge the ruling party effectively. El-Rufai’s appeal to Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to join the SDP is a strategic move aimed at consolidating opposition forces under a single platform.
El-Rufai’s resignation has also triggered a wave of defections from the APC, particularly in Kaduna State. Several of his loyalists have followed suit, resigning from the ruling party and expressing support for his new political direction.
Read also:
We will not loose sleep over el-Rufai’s Defection”-APC Kaduna
BREAKING! El-Rufai Resigns from APC, Joins SDP to Challenge Ruling Party
