May 05, (THEWILL) – Since former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), there has been no shortage of speculation about the real reasons behind the surprise political move.
In spite of the explanations he offered at the time, many Nigerians continue to suggest that the former FCT Minister dumped the APC after being sidelined and is now aligning with like minds to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
However, shortly before he defected to the SDP, he stated that his failed ministerial clearance by the National Assembly was not the last straw that forced him into considering leaving the party, nor was the ongoing investigation of his administration by his successor, Uba Sani.
In fact, he explained how President Bola Tinubu had invited him publicly to join his cabinet even before the President’s inauguration. The party had gradually become anti-democratic and lost focus on the ideals of inclusiveness and leadership it had promised Nigerians when it was formed in 2013.
But while speculations about his alleged grudge against the administration linger, El-Rufai recently used a public appearance in Kano to further clarify his decision.
Speaking to journalists recently during a visit to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and meetings with SDP leaders, El-Rufai disclosed that his decision to join the SDP was driven by a desire to build a political platform free of godfatherism and internal dysfunction — factors he said had crippled both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, Nigeria is in urgent need of a credible alternative to the dominant political structures, which he believes are no longer capable of delivering good governance.
“Twelve years ago, we merged three major parties to form the APC and defeated an incumbent president. But today, the political goal is different,” El-Rufai said. “We are bringing together disenchanted members across political divides under an existing platform—the SDP—which we believe has the best pedigree and potential.”
He described the SDP as a platform with no godfathers, offering fairness, internal democracy, and equal opportunity—qualities he believes are absent in the APC and PDP.
Rejecting claims that he left the APC out of frustration, El-Rufai insisted that he harboured no personal political ambition.
“I am 65 years old. I’ve served Nigeria at the highest levels—as minister, as governor—and I could easily retire. But I believe the country is facing an existential crisis. This move is about Nigeria’s survival, not personal gain,” he said.
El-Rufai also revealed that he and his associates conducted an in-depth evaluation of the political parties that are likely to survive the next review by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which now has the power to deregister any party without elected representation at the state level.
“We looked at about nine or ten parties that will likely remain after INEC’s review. Based on objective criteria, we concluded that the SDP ranks the highest. It’s a party with pedigree, but it needs to be rebuilt—from the grassroots to the national level. That takes time, resources, and serious work,” he explained.
The former governor reiterated that the SDP provides the best potential to build a major political force for the future.
“Most Nigerians want something different: a new brand of politics, a new style of governance, and new faces. The SDP can provide that. It is not controlled or pocketed by any individual. It offers a level playing field for all who wish to aspire, either within the party or in government.”
He also made it clear that the new movement is not seeking an alliance with the PDP.
“Our intention was never to merge with or align with the PDP. That party is a spent force—ravaged by internal crises and targeted for destruction. The APC, on the other hand, has been pocketed. We are focused on building something new and fresh that Nigerians can believe in,” he said.
Reacting to the recent defection of a PDP governor to the APC, El-Rufai dismissed the development as inconsequential to the larger political equation.
“One governor joining another party means nothing. A governor has just one vote. Nigerians have millions. Even the president lost Lagos despite having a sitting governor. Governors don’t determine election outcomes—the people do.”
He emphasised that the SDP aims to remind Nigerians of this reality and urged citizens to rally behind a party that places them at the centre of the political process.
“I may be the first to join from my group, but more are coming. It’s not over until it’s over,” El-Rufai added.
Indeed, it may just be the beginning. While critics continue to question his motives, El-Rufai appears firm in his resolve to help reposition the SDP as a viable political alternative.
Whether Nigerians will embrace his explanations—and the party he now champions—remains to be seen. What is however, clear is that the press was on the mark about his defection several months before he did. Reports of his earlier visits to the National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gaban and its officials on several occasions had indicated his subtle moves towards defection.
There is no doubt about his passion for his newfound party. Last, he let it be known that the party would embark on a membership drive nationwide, starting with Kano where three million members are targeted.
How he will achieve that in a politically volatile state like Kano remains to be seen. For one, the state is currently under the administration of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, home to the National Chairman of the governing APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, also a former governor. These two contending forces are formidable enough to scare any outsider, but nothing in politics is beyond the politicians who think he can win. And el-Rufai says nothing in life scares him.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
