El-Rufai seeks to bolster SDP by appealing to opposition.
In a dramatic turn of events, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This move, announced on Monday, March 10, 2025, signals a major shift in Nigeria's political landscape as El-Rufai aims to galvanize opposition forces to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections. El-Rufai's decision stems from growing dissatisfaction with the leadership and direction of the APC, prompting him to seek a new political platform.
El-Rufai has called on opposition party members and leaders to unite under the SDP banner, envisioning a strong coalition capable of redefining Nigeria’s political future. In his statement, El-Rufai emphasized the need for a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections leading up to 2027. He urged supporters and concerned Nigerians to join the SDP, working towards making Nigeria a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.
The SDP, a centre-left political party, was created during the Nigerian Third Republic as part of a democracy project. It advocates for improved welfare and social justice, attracting young radical intellectuals and socialists. El-Rufai's alignment with the SDP suggests a strategic move to consolidate opposition力量 under a party with a clear ideological stance.
Several key figures within the SDP may align with El-Rufai in this endeavor. These include:
El-Rufai's recent activities, including meetings with political leaders across different parties and visits to former President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, have fueled speculation about his political plans and potential alliances ahead of 2027. His move to the SDP and call for opposition unity mark a significant development in the lead-up to the next general election, potentially reshaping Nigeria's political future.
However, El-Rufai has made it clear that he had repeatedly raised concerns about the party’s leadership but saw no effort to address them. He now intends to engage with and persuade other opposition leaders and parties to join the SDP and unite under a single democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027.
