Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sparked intense political debates and criticisms.

While he cited disillusionment with the APC as his primary reason, reactions from party stakeholders, opposition figures, and political analysts have been mixed.

El-Rufai’s reasons for defection

On March 10, 2025, El-Rufai announced his resignation from the APC, stating that the party had deviated from its founding principles and had become intolerant of internal democracy.

He accused the leadership of sidelining members and failing to fulfill the promises that brought them to power.

El-Rufai also hinted at engaging other opposition figures to build a stronger coalition ahead of future elections.

APC’s response

The All Progressives Congress, APC, dismissed El-Rufai’s defection as an act of political desperation.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described his criticisms as emotionally driven and suggested that his grievances stemmed from his unsuccessful attempt to secure a ministerial position in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Morka argued that El-Rufai’s decision to join the SDP was motivated by personal ambitions rather than any ideological commitment.

Mixed reactions within the SDP

El-Rufai’s entry into the SDP has not been entirely welcomed within the party.

Some leaders see him as a valuable political figure, while others fear his presence could destabilize the party.

The SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition rejected his membership, accusing him of having an anti-democratic leadership style.

Similarly, SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, acknowledged El-Rufai’s strengths but also pointed out his political shortcomings.

Concerns about his defection

Former state assembly aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada, also criticized El-Rufai’s move, arguing that it was not motivated by a desire to uplift the common people but rather by personal frustration over his declining influence in the APC.

“I don’t think El-Rufai joined the SDP for the sake of the masses; rather, he did so because he no longer has a future in the APC. This is the same man who insisted that power must return to the South, even though such a requirement is not written in the constitution. Leadership is about justice, regardless of where one comes from. If Tinubu had given him a ministerial appointment, why didn’t he reject it? This is just noise after defeat. He started attacking Tinubu’s government only because his political ambitions could no longer be realized in the APC, and PDP was not an option for him,” he told DAILY POST.

Tudunwada further expressed doubts about El-Rufai’s intentions in forming an opposition alliance, suggesting that his goal was to gather political figures around him for his own advantage rather than genuinely building a strong alternative to the ruling APC.

“El-Rufai is not the one to follow. I also support an opposition alliance, but not the kind he wants—where people are only rallying behind him because he knows exactly what he is doing,” he added.

Speculations about political realignments

El-Rufai’s defection has fueled rumors about further shifts in the political landscape.

The SDP National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, hinted that more politicians might leave the APC to join the SDP. Names such as former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have been mentioned, though Fayemi has denied any plans to leave the APC.

Concerns from political allies

Even within his circles, some believe El-Rufai’s defection was premature.

Salihu Lukman, a former APC National Vice-Chairman (North West) and close ally of El-Rufai, argued that the move might harm efforts to build a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Lukman suggested that El-Rufai should have exercised more patience before making such a drastic decision.

El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP remains a contentious issue, with arguments on both sides.

While he portrays himself as a leader championing good governance and opposition unity, his critics believe his move is driven by personal grievances and political survival rather than genuine commitment to democratic principles.

As Nigeria heads towards another election cycle, his defection may influence future political alignments, but whether it will benefit him or the opposition as a whole remains to be seen.

A former House of Representatives member, Israel Sunny-Goli has disagreed with the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai over his proposed North/South-South alliance to “rescue” Nigeria.

Sunny-Goli asserted that Nigeria is in safe hands under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and does not require the “rescue” suggested by El-Rufai.

He emphasised that Tinubu is diligently addressing the country’s economic and security challenges inherited from his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement on Tuesday via electronic mail, Sunny-Goli described the former Kaduna State governor’s call for an alliance between the North and South-South regions as a desperate bid for political relevance.

He emphasised that what Nigeria needs now is for all well-meaning citizens to support the President’s initiatives aimed at repositioning the country.

“With due respect to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai, his call for a Northern-South-South alliance is unwarranted, especially when predicated on rescuing Nigeria, as he has suggested.

“It is no secret that this administration inherited a troubled economy and security issues, but through bold policy measures, we are making progress. The Nigerian Armed Forces are intensifying efforts against insurgents, restoring the nation to a path of peace and progress.

“I would advise Mallam El Rufai to wait until 2031 if he has ambition for the nation’s highest office and not involve the South-South region in his political pursuits.

“While he has a right to his ambitions, the timing and context of his statement were inappropriate, particularly during a condolence visit to the late elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark’s residence, which should have been solely to sympathise with the bereaved family.

“Furthermore, it is important to note that the South-South region is well-represented in President Tinubu’s administration, with sons and daughters of the region holding significant positions. This indicates the region’s close relationship with the President,” the former lawmaker said.

He cited such political representation to include Chief Nyesom Wike who is the the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, marking the first time since 1976 that a Southerner holds suck position.

“Other key positions include Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio as President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as MD of NDDC, Felix Omatsola Ogbe as Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Abubakar Momoh as Minister of Regional Development, Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and our esteemed First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, among many others.

“I believe the South-South could not ask for a better deal at this time. Perhaps in 2031, we can discuss an alliance, but for now, we fully support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Sunny-Goli stated.

A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, is leading the northern elite to woo southern bigwigs for an alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections, Sunday TheNigerian reports.

Sources said former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, are among supporters of the group.

Our correspondents gathered that Shekarau, a leader of the League of Northern Democrats, had been discussing coalitions with political leaders in the South-West, South-East, and South-South.

The Convener of the LND, Dr Umar Ardo, had on January 5, declared the group’s readiness to transform into a political party, citing the need to create a unified and credible national political platform.

According to Ardo, the LND plans to transform into the League of National Democrats to provide Nigerians with a viable alternative for leadership and governance.

“This new political platform seeks to provide a credible alternative by institutionalising meritocracy, promoting accountability, and ensuring the emergence of leaders with proven competence and integrity,” Ardo stated.

Sunday TheNigerian gathered that Obasanjo and Gowon advised the group’s leaders to make it a national platform and incorporate southern politicians.

Obasanjo had late October 2024 urged the LND to consider changing its name to the National League of Democrats because the ideals the group espoused should cut across the nation.

The former president, who received the 20-member delegation of the LND led by Shekarau at his penthouse, inside Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, said he would not mind being the group’s patron.

“It is high time we began working for the national interest. Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats, but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats, because where you come from should not be a problem,” he stated.

Umar Sani, a former spokesperson for ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, who is a pioneer member of the LND, told Sunday TheNigerian that both Obasanjo and Gowon were among the backers of the group.

Sani confirmed that Shekarau was leading discussions with prominent southern politicians.

He said, “We’re talking with some southern politicians, but I don’t know who they are. Shekarau and others are making the moves and doing the talking.

“But when we met Baba Obasanjo, he said the initiative should be made national. General Gowon also said it should be national, and other influential Nigerians gave similar advice.

“When we engaged politicians in the South-East, South-South, and South-West, they began suggesting that this movement be turned into a political party. While we were briefed in meetings, the leaders didn’t disclose the names of the southern politicians they were speaking to.”

Sani clarified that the LND had not yet been registered as a political party, as consultations were still ongoing.

The spokesperson for the group, Dr Ladan Salihu, said discussions were ongoing with southern leaders, including former governors, senators, and ministers.

According to him, even before they set out to approach the politicians, the LND had already been contacted by key political clusters from the South-East.

“We’ve been contacted by notable politicians from the South, especially from the South-East, who indicated plans to form the League of Southern Democrats.

“Similarly, respected politicians from the South-West have shown interest in joining the LND if it becomes a national platform, or they may even form the League of Western Democrats.

“This is a political metamorphosis that will culminate in the creation of what will eventually become the League of Nigerian Democrats,” he stated.

While declining to name southern politicians the LND leader had been in contact with, Salihu confirmed that the group was in regular communication with “respected southern leaders”.

“We are in constant, almost daily contact with them because they share our vision of rescuing Nigeria. This is not just a rhetorical platform; it’s a serious movement based on real action,” he stated.

The LND’s move comes amid political manoeuvres by many leaders aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Opposition leaders have intensified efforts towards major political realignments, including potential mergers of political parties, to challenge the All Progressives Congress in the next general elections.

On November 26, 2024, it was reported that the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, had concluded plans to either form a new party or adopt an existing one to establish a coalition ahead of 2027.

Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, later confirmed that Atiku and Obi had been engaging in discussions to form a united front against the APC.

Similarly, the Peoples Redemption Party and African Democratic Congress confirmed initiating discussions about a potential merger ahead of the elections.

On December 14, 2024, Obasanjo hosted former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to Kwankwaso, the discussions centred on “significant national issues, including the future of politics and governance in Nigeria.”

We’re not threatened – APC, PDP

Meanwhile, the APC has said it is not threatened by the potential political alliance, asserting that it will not lose sleep over the proposed mega party being considered by northern and southern political bigwigs.

The APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, told Sunday TheNigerian that the party was aware of the political moves, warning that Nigeria’s governance should not be left to desperate politicians.

However, he expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure a second term as Nigerians began to reap the benefits of his administration’s economic reforms.

He said, “The APC and the President are very much aware of the shenanigans of the opposition. But it will be almost impossible for someone from outside, particularly an outsider who has previously failed the country, to think of defeating the incumbent.

“We expect to start seeing the fruits of these reforms around the time of the election—2026 and 2027. By then, people will begin to appreciate the party and the President.

“That does not mean the party and the President are complacent. No, we are strategising. When we get to the bridge, we will see who has the strongest stride to cross it. I assure you, the APC will not falter or be caught napping.”

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party stated that the LND’s attempt to transform into a political party did not pose a threat to its prospects in future elections.

In an interview with Sunday TheNigerian, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said no coalition or merger could defeat the APC without the PDP.

In response to LND’s move to transform into a party as an alternative to the PDP and APC, he said the character and consistency of the group’s members should be scrutinised.

“They are no threat to the PDP. There is no merger or coalition whatsoever, that can defeat the APC without the PDP’s input.

“We saw it in 2023. The Labour Party, NNPP and what came out of it? All forms of coalition are welcome to defeat the All Progressives Congress, but characters like Shekarau should first tell themselves or ask themselves some further questions; are they consistent, are they credible, do they still have electoral value?,” he queried.

The PDP leader also stated that Shekarau could not drive any meaningful change.

“Shekarau himself knows that as of today, his position is over and above his weight, and he lacks the capacity to reallypush anything significant.

“In the last five to six years, how many parties and groups have Shekarau belonged to? These people are not the type that should lead any move. Unless we are a people that don’t learn. If we don’t learn, we will be condemned to repeat the mistakes of history,” he added.