Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped establish in 2013. El-Rufai’s resignation, effective immediately, was made public on Monday, March 10, 2025, and marks a significant moment in Nigerian politics as he seeks to distance himself from what he calls the “straying” of the APC from its founding principles.
El-Rufai, known for his bold reforms during his tenure as governor and a key architect in the formation of the APC, expressed deep disappointment in the current direction of the ruling party. In a detailed statement, he explained that his decision to part ways with the APC stemmed from a growing disconnect between his personal values and the party’s current leadership.
According to El-Rufai, the APC no longer reflects the progressive ideals it once championed. He described the party’s internal dynamics as increasingly dysfunctional, with little regard for the contributions of its members and no real desire to address the concerns raised by those who care about the party’s future.
“Developments over the past two years confirm that those currently controlling the APC are neither willing to acknowledge nor address the unhealthy situation the party finds itself in,” El-Rufai remarked in his statement. “At this point in my political journey, I have concluded that I must seek another platform to pursue the progressive values I cherish.”
El-Rufai recalled his pivotal role in the APC’s rise to power, referencing his contributions to the party’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. He noted his instrumental efforts in the negotiation of the merger that led to the formation of the APC and underscored his legacy as Kaduna governor, where he implemented landmark policies in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.
“My eight years in Kaduna were devoted to advancing human development through progressive policies,” El-Rufai emphasized. “However, these efforts seem to count for little in a party that has, over the last two years, castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt. I can no longer accept this.”
In a bold step toward his political future, El-Rufai also announced that he would be joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he described as a more fitting platform for his vision and values. He urged his supporters and like-minded Nigerians to join him in this new political journey, stressing the importance of creating a unified, democratic platform to challenge the current political establishment.
