El-Rufai officially resigned from the APC and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable differences with the party’s leadership. In a resignation letter submitted to his ward in Kaduna State on Monday, he expressed his disappointment with the APC’s direction in recent years.
A founding member of the APC, El-Rufai played a crucial role in the party’s electoral successes in 2015, 2019, and 2023. Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Kaduna, he emphasized his administration’s focus on human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment.
Despite these contributions, El-Rufai decided to part ways with the APC due to growing concerns over governance and internal party dynamics. In announcing his shift to the SDP, he expressed gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, and supporters, reaffirming his commitment to advancing democratic principles.
A former commissioner in El-Rufai’s administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the resignation was expected. “Yes, we all knew he (El-Rufai) would resign from APC today, March 10, 2025, and join SDP. This is what we’ve been anticipating,” the source said.7