Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a misalignment of values with the ruling party.
In a statement announcing his decision, El-Rufai expressed disappointment over the direction of the APC, saying the party had left him with little choice but to seek a new political platform.
“As a founding member of the APC, I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC would continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics,” he said.
However, he noted that developments in the last two years showed no willingness on the part of the party’s leadership to address what he described as an unhealthy situation.
“On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” he stated.
El-Rufai emphasized his commitment to progressive ideals, stating that while he had worked diligently to contribute to the APC’s growth, the party had deviated from the vision of its founding members.
He urged his supporters and Nigerians concerned about the country’s future to join him in the SDP.
“Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately,” he added.
