APC Dismisses El-Rufai Defection as “Non-Event,” Warns SDP of Impending “Destruction”
KADUNA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as a “non-event,” while issuing a stark warning to the SDP about the potential consequences of welcoming the controversial politician into their ranks.
A Political Earthquake or a Mere Tremor?
El-Rufai’s departure from the APC on March 11, 2025, sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape. However, the ruling party has responded with a mix of derision and dire predictions:
- “Vituperations of Political Non-Starters”: The Kaduna State APC, through Chairman Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd) and Secretary Yahaya Baba-Pate, dismissed SDP’s claims of APC concern as baseless.
- “Seed of Destruction”: The APC warned that by accepting El-Rufai, the SDP has sown the seeds of its own downfall.
- “Cat Amongst the Pigeons”: The ruling party predicts El-Rufai will soon create internal conflicts within the SDP.
El-Rufai’s Motivations: Revenge or Reform?
The APC didn’t mince words about El-Rufai’s reasons for jumping ship:
- “Self-Interest”: The party claims El-Rufai’s move is driven by a desire for political relevance and personal vendettas1.
- “Political Pound of Flesh”: They suggest he seeks revenge against those he blames for his “descent into the political wilderness”.
A House Divided: SDP’s Internal Strife
El-Rufai’s arrival in the SDP has not been universally welcomed:
- Youth Rebellion: The SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition rejected El-Rufai’s membership, calling him “unfit and morally unqualified”.
- “Clandestine Deal”: The youth group accused party leadership of making a secret arrangement to facilitate El-Rufai’s defection.
- Power Play: Just days after joining, El-Rufai’s supporters reportedly pressured a key SDP leader to resign.
2027 Elections: A New Opposition Force?
El-Rufai has vowed to unite opposition parties against the APC in 2027:
- “Unified Democratic Platform”: He aims to create a coalition to challenge the APC in all upcoming elections3.
- APC Dismissal: Both the Presidency and APC leadership have downplayed the threat, calling El-Rufai’s ambitions “destined to fail”.
Conclusion: A Political Gambit with Uncertain Outcomes
As Nigeria’s political chessboard shifts, El-Rufai’s defection represents a bold move with potentially far-reaching consequences. While the APC publicly dismisses its importance, the coming months will reveal whether this “non-event” becomes a defining moment in Nigerian politics.
