Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a letter submitted on Monday, March 10, 2025, to his local party office in Kaduna, El-Rufai cited irreconcilable differences with the APC leadership as the reason for his resignation.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, expressed disappointment in the party’s recent direction, stating that it no longer aligns with the democratic principles and progressive values he believes in. “I have worked hard for the APC and contributed to its growth,” he said. “But over the past two years, it has become clear that the party no longer respects the democratic principles and progressive values I hold dear.”
Reflecting on his time as governor, El-Rufai highlighted his focus on improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and attracting investments. He emphasized that his decision to leave the APC was driven by concerns over the party’s internal workings and the direction of governance.
“At this stage in my political journey, I must find another platform to pursue the progressive values I hold dear,” he said.
El-Rufai thanked his mentors, colleagues, and supporters while announcing his switch to the SDP. He stressed his commitment to supporting democratic principles and building a strong, united platform to challenge the APC in future elections.
This decision comes shortly after El-Rufai denied rumors that he planned to leave the APC. Just days earlier, he had told journalists at a national conference on democracy in Abuja that he had no intention of quitting the party and hoped for better performance from its leadership.
