KADUNA, Nigeria – Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has disclosed that he consulted former President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, announced his defection on Monday, March 10, 2025, citing the “unhealthy situation” within the ruling party as his reason for leaving.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, El-Rufai revealed that he had informed Buhari of his decision to decamp.
“I left the APC with his full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party, because I involve and consult with him on all my matters,” he said.
When asked if he had any political godfathers, El-Rufai acknowledged that he consults with several influential figures before making major decisions.
“I have those I consult with in everything I do. I inform them of anything I intend to do, and when they demand that I keep off, I do,” he explained.
He described Buhari as his “first godfather” but declined to name others, stating, “For the rest, I will not mention them because if I do, they’ll be pressured.”
El-Rufai’s defection has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly within the APC, where he was seen as a key figure.
His move to the SDP is widely interpreted as a significant blow to the ruling party, which has been grappling with internal divisions and defections in recent months.
The former governor’s decision to consult Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, underscores the close relationship between the two politicians.
Buhari, who remains a influential figure within the APC, has yet to publicly comment on El-Rufai’s defection.
El-Rufai’s move to the SDP has sparked speculation about his political ambitions and the potential impact on Nigeria’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The SDP, a relatively minor party, could gain momentum with the addition of high-profile defectors like El-Rufai.
As the political landscape continues to shift, analysts are closely watching how El-Rufai’s defection will influence the strategies of both the APC and the SDP in the coming months.
