We Are Not Losing Sleep Over Your Defection – APC Party Tells Ex-Gov El-Rufai
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has responded with indifference to the recent defection of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), insisting that the party’s fortunes will remain unaffected despite the significant political move.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC and a key figure in the party’s rise to power, announced his resignation from the APC on March 10, 2025. In his statement, he cited the party’s deviation from its original principles, accusing the current leadership of abandoning the progressive ideals that inspired its formation in 2013. He also expressed his disillusionment with the party’s disregard for internal democracy and the increasing marginalization of its members.
The former governor’s defection has raised eyebrows in political circles, particularly in Kaduna, where his leadership had a significant impact. However, in response to El-Rufai’s move, the Secretary of the APC in Kaduna, Yahaya Baba-Pate, maintained that the party was unperturbed and would not be distracted by his departure. Baba-Pate emphasized that the APC’s focus remained firmly on securing victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the upcoming 2027 elections, expressing confidence in the party’s growing support base across the state.
Nasir El-Rufai’s resignation from the APC was not just a political move but also an indictment of the current direction of the party. In his statement, El-Rufai lambasted the party’s leadership for abandoning the foundational ideals that it was built on, particularly its commitment to progressive governance and good leadership.
El-Rufai’s dissatisfaction with the APC was evident as he criticized the leadership for allowing internal democracy to deteriorate and for fostering a climate of disrespect and contempt towards the party’s membership. He argued that despite his many attempts to bring attention to the challenges within the party, the leadership remained unwilling to take corrective action, leading him to the conclusion that he could no longer be part of an organization that had abandoned its core values.
The former governor’s decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is part of his broader call for Nigerians who still believe in the principles of good governance and progressive leadership to unite and work towards a revitalization of the country’s political system. El-Rufai expressed hope that the SDP would provide a platform to restore the principles of democracy, development, and governance that he feels have been lost under the APC’s current leadership.
While his resignation was a blow to the APC, especially in the northern region where El-Rufai has significant influence, the Kaduna State APC leadership, led by Yahaya Baba-Pate, was swift to downplay the impact of the defection. The party’s stance was clear: while El-Rufai’s departure was regrettable, it would not derail the APC’s political trajectory or its plans for the future.
In a statement following El-Rufai’s defection, Yahaya Baba-Pate, the Secretary of the Kaduna APC, sought to reassure party members and supporters that the APC was unfazed by the departure of its former governor. Baba-Pate emphasized that the party’s focus remained on preparing for the 2027 elections, where they aimed to secure a resounding victory for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.
“The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party on a daily basis. So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in the state,” Baba-Pate said.
He went on to say that the party’s strength in the state had only increased in recent months, pointing to the ongoing influx of high-profile politicians joining the APC. Baba-Pate maintained that the APC in Kaduna was in a stronger position than ever before and that the party would not be distracted by El-Rufai’s decision to join the SDP.
“We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027. The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, and we are confident that the party’s fortunes will not be affected by this defection,” Baba-Pate continued.
The Kaduna APC’s response reflects the party’s determination to remain united and focused on its electoral objectives despite internal challenges. The leadership seems to believe that El-Rufai’s departure will not have a lasting impact on the party’s base, and they are confident that the APC will continue to thrive in the state, citing the increasing number of defections to their side.
El-Rufai’s defection is a significant moment in Nigerian politics, not just because of his stature within the APC, but because it highlights deeper frustrations with the direction the party has taken. The APC, once a beacon of hope for many Nigerians seeking an alternative to the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has faced growing criticism in recent years. El-Rufai’s defection is part of a larger trend of dissatisfaction within the party, as several prominent figures have expressed discontent with the leadership and the party’s internal dynamics.
Despite the APC’s assurances that El-Rufai’s move will not disrupt its plans for 2027, it is clear that the defection of a high-profile figure like El-Rufai has the potential to erode some of the party’s support, particularly in the northern regions where he retains significant political influence. His exit from the APC could embolden other disillusioned party members to follow suit, weakening the party’s base.
However, the party leadership in Kaduna seems intent on downplaying the impact of El-Rufai’s departure. Baba-Pate’s comments suggest that the APC is confident in its ability to rally support around President Tinubu and Governor Sani. The party’s confidence is based on its belief that the internal challenges it faces will be overcome by the party’s growing support among new political entrants.
While the APC has shown little concern about El-Rufai’s defection, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is poised to gain from his departure. El-Rufai’s reputation as a seasoned politician with significant influence in northern Nigeria will give the SDP a much-needed boost, particularly in the north. The SDP, which has traditionally struggled to gain traction against the two dominant parties, APC and PDP, will likely use El-Rufai’s defection to present itself as a viable alternative for Nigerians disillusioned with the current political order.
The SDP has long positioned itself as a party that seeks to promote progressive governance and democracy, and El-Rufai’s defection to their fold may signal a shift in the political landscape. His move could attract other key figures who are dissatisfied with the APC and its leadership, potentially strengthening the SDP’s position ahead of the 2027 elections.
As El-Rufai begins his new political journey with the SDP, the coming months will be crucial in determining how much impact he will have on the party’s fortunes. His decision to leave the APC is a clear signal that he believes the party has lost its way, and his supporters will be watching closely to see how the SDP responds to the new influx of political capital.
For the APC, the challenge will be to maintain its unity and focus on the 2027 elections despite the loss of one of its founding members. While the party leadership in Kaduna is confident that El-Rufai’s defection will not harm its prospects, the APC must still contend with the broader dissatisfaction within its ranks. Addressing these concerns and restoring party cohesion will be key to its success in the upcoming elections.
El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the SDP is a significant development in Nigerian politics, but it is not a death knell for the APC as some might have expected. The party in Kaduna has expressed confidence that it will remain a force to be reckoned with, especially as it looks ahead to the 2027 elections.
At the same time, the SDP stands to benefit from the former governor’s defection, as his political capital and influence in the north could help the party gain traction in a competitive political environment. The next few months will be critical for both parties as they work to solidify their positions ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of El-Rufai’s defection will be felt not just in Kaduna but across the nation. His move underscores the growing discontent within the APC and the potential for new political realignments in the run-up to the next general election. For now, the APC appears unshaken by his departure, but only time will tell how this defection will impact the party in the long term.
