By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing growing discord between his personal values and the party’s current direction as the primary reason for his decision.
El-Rufai’s resignation letter has already been submitted to the leadership of the APC in his ward in Kaduna State. He has also announced his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and has instructed his supporters and associates to follow suit.
In a statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai expressed disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of straying from the progressive ideals upon which it was founded.
“I have raised concerns about the party’s trajectory both privately and publicly over the past two years, but there has been no willingness among the current leadership to address these issues,” he stated.
El-Rufai, who played a key role in the formation of the APC in 2013, recalled his efforts in negotiating the merger of political parties that led to the party’s creation. He also highlighted his contributions to the APC’s electoral successes in 2015, 2019, and 2023, as well as his tenure as Kaduna State Governor, where he implemented policies focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment.
“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development,” he said.
“These records count for little in the current APC, which has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt over the past two years. I find this no longer acceptable.”
