Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His decision has sparked debates, with different reactions from political leaders and analysts.

On March 10, 2025, El-Rufai announced that he was leaving APC because the party had abandoned its original values. He accused APC leaders of sidelining members and failing to fulfill their promises. He also hinted at working with other opposition figures to create a stronger political alliance.

The APC dismissed his defection, calling it an act of desperation. Party spokesman Felix Morka suggested that El-Rufai was only leaving because he failed to secure a ministerial position in President Bola Tinubu’s government. Morka argued that El-Rufai’s move was about personal ambition rather than principles.

While some members of SDP welcomed El-Rufai as a strong political figure, others were not happy. The SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition rejected him, accusing him of having an anti-democratic leadership style. The party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, acknowledged El-Rufai’s political strengths but also pointed out his weaknesses.

Some politicians believe El-Rufai’s move was not about helping the people but about his own frustration. PDP’s Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada argued that if El-Rufai had been given a position in Tinubu’s government, he would not have left APC. He also questioned El-Rufai’s real intentions behind forming an opposition alliance.

El-Rufai’s defection has sparked speculation that more politicians might leave APC for SDP. SDP National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, suggested that other top politicians, like former governors Kayode Fayemi and Rauf Aregbesola, could also switch parties, though Fayemi has denied any such plans.

Even some of El-Rufai’s allies believe he acted too quickly. Salihu Lukman, a former APC leader and close associate of El-Rufai, said the defection might hurt efforts to build a strong opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

El-Rufai’s move to SDP has divided opinions. While he presents himself as a leader fighting for good governance and unity, critics believe his decision is more about personal interest than real political change. As Nigeria moves closer to the next election, his defection could reshape the political scene—but whether it will benefit him or the opposition remains uncertain.