Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has announced his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) and join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). According to El-Rufai, his departure from the APC is driven by the need to build a platform free from godfatherism and internal dysfunction.
In a statement made while answering questions from journalists in Kano, El-Rufai expressed his desire to create a credible political alternative that can rescue Nigeria from its current existential threats. He noted that the anomalies of godfatherism and internal dysfunction have destroyed both the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
El-Rufai stated that he visited the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and met with SDP leaders to strategize on building a strong grassroots political movement in the state. He emphasized the importance of Kano due to its consistently high voter turnout.
The former governor explained that the political realities in Nigeria have changed since he helped form the APC 12 years ago. He believes that the SDP offers a fresh opportunity, being a platform not controlled by any individual. El-Rufai stated, “We are bringing together disaffected members across political divides under an existing platform — the SDP — which we believe has the best pedigree and potential.”
El-Rufai highlighted the SDP’s potential as a viable alternative to the APC and PDP, citing its lack of control by any individual. He said, “Nigerians deserve a party built on fairness, internal democracy, and equal opportunity. The SDP can be that alternative.
On the contentious debate about rotational presidency, El-Rufai shifted his stance, emphasizing that competence and leadership capacity should determine who leads Nigeria, rather than geography. He said, “Our problems are too severe to care about where the next president comes from. We need someone with vision and the ability to fix Nigeria’s fundamental issue
El-Rufai confirmed that there are ongoing coalition talks involving five major political groups aimed at forming a strong opposition movement under the SDP. He dismissed the notion that the SDP is a northern movement, emphasizing the party’s potential as a national force.
With El-Rufai’s departure from the APC, the SDP may gain significant momentum in its bid to become a credible alternative in Nigerian politics.
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