Nasir El-Rufai’s departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) marks a significant political development in Nigeria. El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, was a founding member of the APC and played a crucial role in its rise to power. His defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a smaller and less influential party, signals a potential shift in the political landscape and raises questions about the internal dynamics of the APC. El-Rufai cites several reasons for his departure, primarily focusing on the party’s deviation from its founding principles and what he perceives as a prioritization of personal interests over the welfare of the people.
El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC was not made in isolation. He emphasizes that he consulted with several key political figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, before making his move. This consultation underscores the significance of his decision and suggests a level of deliberation and strategic planning. El-Rufai’s claim that Buhari was aware of his plans adds another layer of complexity to the situation, potentially signaling a rift within the APC and raising questions about Buhari’s ongoing influence within the party. The list of individuals consulted by El-Rufai includes prominent figures from across the political spectrum, indicating the breadth of his network and the seriousness with which he approached this decision.
El-Rufai’s departure from the APC centers around his disillusionment with the party’s direction. He argues that the APC has abandoned the ideals that initially brought its members together, shifting from a focus on public service to a pursuit of personal gain. This perceived shift in priorities has created a sense of disconnect between the party leadership and the grassroots, leading to disillusionment among members like El-Rufai. He portrays the APC as having become a “business enterprise” where positions and influence are traded for personal benefit, rather than being earned through merit and dedication to the party’s principles. This critique strikes at the heart of the APC’s legitimacy and raises concerns about the party’s ability to effectively govern.
The concentration of power within a select group from Lagos is another key factor contributing to El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC. He argues that this centralization of power has marginalized other regions and individuals within the party, creating a sense of inequality and resentment. This concentration of power, according to El-Rufai, has led to a skewed distribution of resources and opportunities, leaving many deserving party members feeling overlooked and undervalued. This perceived imbalance of power further reinforces El-Rufai’s narrative of a party that has lost its way and become disconnected from its original vision.
Despite his departure from the APC, El-Rufai maintains that he does not regret supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. He explains that his support for Tinubu was rooted in two primary reasons: addressing the political marginalization of Muslims in the southwest region and upholding the principle of rotating the presidency between the north and south for fairness and balance. However, El-Rufai expresses surprise at Tinubu’s actions since assuming office, suggesting a disconnect between the president’s pre-election promises and his post-election governance. This expression of surprise, while stopping short of outright criticism, hints at a potential strain in the relationship between El-Rufai and Tinubu.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP has significant implications for the Nigerian political landscape. While the SDP is currently a smaller party, El-Rufai’s stature and influence could bolster its profile and potentially attract other disgruntled APC members. This could create a more competitive political environment and challenge the APC’s dominance. Furthermore, El-Rufai’s departure weakens the APC, potentially creating internal divisions and impacting the party’s ability to mobilize support in future elections. His departure could also embolden other dissenting voices within the APC, further destabilizing the party and potentially leading to more defections. The long-term consequences of El-Rufai’s decision remain to be seen, but his move represents a significant development in Nigerian politics.
