Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was received with joy.
According to reports, Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s presidential candidate for 2023, praised the decision as a start toward rescuing Nigeria from weak governance and underdevelopment.
Adebayo took to social media on Monday to praise El-Rufai’s move, describing it as a “vital addition” to the SDP mission.
“On behalf of the teeming members of the @TheSDPNg and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria and her promise of inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother @elrufai to our party,” Adebayo tweeted.
He praised El-Rufai as a “hardworking and shrewd leader,” highlighting his potential contribution to the party’s struggle against poverty and insecurity.
Adebayo also reaffirmed the SDP’s commitment to ethical government and social justice, inviting Nigerians to join the party’s drive for national renewal.
“There’s no time to spend. Join us on March Again! “God bless Nigeria,” he declared.
El-Rufai’s defection sparks political reactions.
El-Rufai, who has previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Governor of Kaduna State, adds valuable political experience to the SDP.
Political experts view his exit from the APC as a severe criticism of the ruling party’s management of national affairs.
His decision has spurred speculation about prospective defections from both the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as disenchantment builds in Nigeria’s political environment.
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In his statement, Adebayo slammed both parties, calling their tenures in office “the locust years”. He highlighted that clean and ethical politics must lay the groundwork for Nigeria’s resurgence and Africa’s independence.
With El-Rufai’s support, the SDP’s “Hope Again” campaign may gather traction as the 2027 elections approach.
El-Rufai had already denied rumors of his defection from the APC early this year, thus his official declaration was a significant political step.
He apparently spoke with prominent figures on Sunday before defecting, however the nature of these discussions is unknown.
