Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This decision follows months of speculation about his next political move.

El-Rufai, who was also a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced his resignation from APC on March 10, 2025. He stated that the party no longer represents his values, which led him to seek a new political platform.

In his statement, el-Rufai expressed disappointment with how APC is currently being run. He said that while he had hoped the party would stay true to its founding principles, things had changed in the last two years.

“I have raised my concerns privately and publicly about the direction of the party,” he said. “At this stage, I have decided to move to another platform that upholds the progressive values I believe in.”

El-Rufai also mentioned that he had consulted his mentors and political allies before making the move to SDP.

El-Rufai had previously hinted at his dissatisfaction with APC. In February, he mentioned that the gap between him and the party had widened. He criticized its leadership for running things in a way that excluded many key members.

He also had issues with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Since the Senate refused to confirm him as a minister, he has been openly critical of the government. He claimed that the president personally changed his mind about including him in the cabinet.

El-Rufai has called on his supporters and those who want a better future for Nigeria to join him in the SDP. His decision to switch parties is expected to play a role in the 2027 elections, as he continues his political journey on a new platform.