El-Rufai recently claimed that he consulted Buhari before making the switch, suggesting that the former president gave his approval.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for swiftly distancing himself from political moves linking him to the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

El-Rufai recently claimed that he consulted Buhari before making the switch, suggesting that the former president gave his approval.

However, Buhari, in a response, dismissed any involvement, reaffirming his commitment to the APC.

In a statement on Saturday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, praised Buhari’s firm stance. 

“The APC greets and commends former President Muhammadu Buhari for his solid reaffirmation of loyalty to our great party,” Morka stated.
The ruling party’s reaction comes amid growing speculations over internal rifts following El-Rufai’s departure. 
The former governor’s defection to the SDP has fueled discussions on the APC’s internal cohesion ahead of future elections.

The statement read, "In a statement of Thursday, March 13, 2025, the former President stated, "I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means."

"We applaud the former President for swiftly clearing the air and putting distance to efforts by certain individuals to tacitly associate him with their nonplussed political choices." 

Felix said, "The former President's unalloyed loyalty to our great Party, the platform on which he was twice elected as President, has further reinforced his reputation of astute integrity and dignified elder statesman.

"We urge our teeming members to emulate President Buhari's worthy example of loyalty and commitment to our great Party," he added.