El-Rufai officially exited the APC on Monday, March 10, 2025, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In his resignation statement, El-Rufai criticized the APC for straying from its foundational principles and disregarding its members. He stated, “Those currently in control of the APC have no intention of recognizing or addressing the deteriorating state of the party.”
Reacting to the development during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Ologbodiyan described El-Rufai as a key architect of the APC, warning that his departure could lead to a major crisis within the party.
“The APC under President Bola Tinubu is heading for an implosion. If a foundational figure like El-Rufai can abandon the party, it signals deeper troubles ahead,” he asserted.
Addressing the PDP’s internal challenges, Ologbodiyan urged the media to strengthen opposition voices, emphasizing that a thriving democracy requires a strong and vocal opposition. “The culture of silence should not be encouraged. A robust opposition is essential for democracy to function effectively,” he concluded.