In a whirlwind of political maneuvering, former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is reportedly set to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a move confirmed by a close ally amidst a leaked resignation letter circulating on social media. The letter, purportedly penned by El-Rufai and titled “Onwards to the future,” expresses his disillusionment with the current direction of the APC, citing a misalignment of values and a lack of desire within the party to address its “unhealthy situation.”

“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” the letter states. El-Rufai claims to have raised concerns privately and publicly, but feels compelled to seek a new political platform to pursue his progressive values.

According to the letter, El-Rufai's resignation from the APC was effective March 10, 2025, after which he intends to join the SDP. Sources close to El-Rufai have corroborated the authenticity of the letter, confirming that arrangements have been made for him to submit his resignation at his ward in Kaduna.

An ally and former commissioner under El-Rufai's administration affirmed that the former governor would indeed be leaving the APC for the SDP. “Yes, we are all aware that he (El-Rufai) will tender his resignation from APC today, Monday, 10th March 2025, and join SDP. That is all we have been waiting for,” the source stated.

This defection follows El-Rufai's recent criticisms of the ruling party and meetings with key opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Rauf Aregbesola, the former Osun State governor. He has also reportedly held multiple discussions with SDP leaders. Adding fuel to the fire, Nasiru Abdullahi Maikano, an El-Rufai ally, recently emerged as the interim chairman of the SDP Caretaker Committee in Kaduna State.

In related news, El-Rufai has been actively engaging with political leaders across different parties, further igniting speculation about his future political plans. He recently visited Rauf Aregbesola and Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos, and met with Atiku Abubakar in Abuja after breaking the Ramadan fast. These meetings have led to widespread speculation about potential strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nigerians have taken to social media to react to these developments. Some users express support for El-Rufai's groundwork, while others remain skeptical about the potential impact of these political maneuvers.

El-Rufai's recent activities also include a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, which occurred amidst his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu's economic policies and uncertainty regarding his support for Tinubu in the 2027 elections. This visit may have been a courtesy call to welcome Buhari back to his Kaduna residence.

As the political landscape evolves, El-Rufai's moves are being closely watched, and his potential defection to the SDP could significantly impact the dynamics of Nigerian politics leading up to the 2027 elections.