BREAKING: Why I Chose to Switch From APC to El-Rufai

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). On Monday, El-Rufai, who was a founding member of the APC, announced his decision via his official X account, explaining that he felt a disconnect between his progressive ideals and those of the party. He stated: “At this juncture in my political career, I have determined that I need to pursue a different political platform that aligns with the progressive values I hold dear. Therefore, I have chosen to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).” READ BELOW THE FULL STATEMENT BY MR EL-RUFAI ANNOUNCING HIS RESIGNATION FROM THE APC. NIGERIA UPDATE: Onwards to the future As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I cherish the memories of collaborating with fellow members to facilitate the merger of political parties that led to the establishment of the APC. Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values would remain in harmony with those of the APC until I decide to retire from political life.

Recent developments over the past two years indicate a lack of willingness among the current leadership of the APC to recognize or address the troubling state of the party. I have expressed my concerns both privately and, more recently, publicly regarding the erratic direction the party has taken. Consequently, I have reached the decision that I must pursue an alternative political platform that aligns with the progressive values I hold dear. Founders naturally develop a strong attachment to the institutions they helped establish; however, it is essential to be pragmatic and acknowledge when a rift becomes insurmountable. I have served the APC with dedication and contributed to its viability as a political entity, yet I now realize that the party has deviated from the vision of its well-intentioned founders. As a committed party member, I played a role in securing the APC’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. I was among the many governors elected under the party's banner in 2015 and 2019, advocating for democratic and progressive principles aimed at fostering nation-building. Throughout my eight-year tenure in Kaduna State, I focused on implementing progressive policies to enhance human development in education and healthcare, as well as to expand infrastructure, promote equal opportunities, create jobs, and attract investments. Unfortunately, these achievements seem to hold little value in the current APC, which has undermined its foundational principles and treated its members with disdain over the past two years. This situation is no longer acceptable to me. Therefore, on this day, March 10, 2025, I have formally submitted my resignation from the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Thank you and God Bless the Social Democratic Party. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, CON Abuja, Nigeria 10th March 2025