An ally of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has confirmed the former Kaduna State governor’s planned defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), amid a viral resignation letter circulating on social media.
In the letter titled “Onwards to the Future,“ which has been widely shared online, El-Rufai purportedly announced his resignation from APC, a party he helped to establish. He cited concerns over the party’s current trajectory, stating that it no longer aligns with his personal values.
“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC,” the letter reads in part.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party.”
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El-Rufai further stated that he had consulted with his mentors, colleagues, and supporters before making the decision to leave APC. He added that he had officially submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna and would now be joining the SDP as his new political platform.
Despite repeated attempts, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s spokesperson, has not responded to inquiries about the authenticity of the letter. However, a close associate and former commissioner in El-Rufai’s administration confirmed the move.
“Yes, we are all aware that he (El-Rufai) will tender his resignation from APC today, Monday, 10th March 2025, and join SDP. That is all we have been waiting for,” the source told Daily Trust.
The source added that El-Rufai’s supporters were not surprised by the leaked letter, as many of them were already privy to the development. He vouched for the authenticity of the letter, despite it not being posted on El-Rufai’s official social media pages.
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This defection follows last week’s appointment of El-Rufai’s ally, Nasiru Abdullahi Maikano, as the interim chairman of the Caretaker Committee of SDP in Kaduna State. The move has fueled speculation about El-Rufai’s growing influence within the opposition party.
Earlier on Monday, Bashir, the outspoken son of Nasir El-Rufai, also sparked speculations after displaying the logo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on his verified Facebook page, swirling rumors of his father leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In recent weeks, El-Rufai has been openly critical of the APC and has intensified engagements with opposition figures.
On Sunday, he was spotted in a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Rauf Aregbesola, a former Osun State governor and erstwhile associate of President Bola Tinubu. He has also reportedly held multiple discussions with SDP leaders, signaling a broader political realignment.