Malam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Sources close to El-Rufai cite longstanding grievances and ideological differences with the APC.
“I can no longer align myself with a party that has strayed from its founding principles,” he reportedly told allies.
READ ALSO: Ribadu, Uba Sani Betrayed Me, We’re No Longer Friends — El-Rufa’i
His defection has fueled speculation about his political future, including a possible presidential bid in 2027.
The move is already reshaping political alignments, with APC leaders assessing its impact while SDP members welcome his arrival.
El-Rufai’s switch marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, setting the stage for potential realignments ahead of the next general election.