El-Rufai Drops Bombshell: 'APC Has Lost Its Soul,' Joins SDP to Battle 2027 Elections

Former Governor of Kaduna State and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the party, citing a fundamental departure from its founding principles. In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai declared that the APC had strayed from its original vision, rendering his continued membership untenable.

El-Rufai, who played a pivotal role in the formation and electoral successes of the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, expressed deep disappointment with the current state of the party. According to him, the APC's leadership has not only failed to address its internal crises but has also disregarded democratic principles, leaving him with no choice but to seek an alternative platform.

"Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party," El-Rufai stated.

He further revealed that despite raising concerns both privately and publicly, the party's trajectory had become increasingly "capricious," making it impossible for him to remain within its fold.

El-Rufai confirmed that he had officially submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna, effectively cutting ties with the ruling party. After extensive consultations with his political allies, he has now decided to adopt the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as his new political home.

"I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities," he declared.

Going beyond his defection, El-Rufai is rallying opposition forces, urging other leaders and political parties to unite under a single front to challenge the APC in upcoming elections.

"As a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027," he added.

The former governor's departure from the APC has already generated reactions across the political landscape. Analysts predict that his move could significantly impact the party's strength, particularly in the northern region, where he holds considerable influence.

His exit also raises questions about the internal cohesion of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, as more high-profile defections may follow. The ruling party is yet to respond officially to El-Rufai's resignation.