Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has revealed that he informed ex-President Muhammadu Buhari before exiting the All-Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufai, who was a key figure in establishing the ruling party, switched to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Monday, pointing to a toxic environment within the APC. In a Wednesday interview with BBC Hausa, he disclosed that he had personally discussed his departure and his intent to join the SDP with Buhari. “I left the APC with his full awareness. I met him on a Friday and told him about my decision to leave, as I always consult him on my decisions,” El-Rufai explained.
When asked if he relied on a political godfather, El-Rufai responded, “I consult certain individuals on everything I do. I tell them my plans, and if they advise against it, I step back. My primary mentor is Muhammadu Buhari. I won’t name the others, as it might put them under pressure.”
El-Rufai also addressed his support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, expressing no regrets despite being caught off guard by subsequent events. “I don’t regret backing him, though I’ve been surprised by some actions. My support stemmed from two reasons. First, Yoruba leaders from the South West visited me in Kaduna and highlighted the political marginalization of Muslims in their region—that influenced my stance. Second, we had agreed that the presidency should shift to southern Nigeria in 2023 for fairness, balance, and justice.”
Explaining his exit from the APC, El-Rufai criticized the party for straying from its original values. “The APC has abandoned the principles it was built on and the people it was meant to serve. It’s now all about personal gain and wealth. Governance has turned into a commercial venture where everything is for sale. Justice is absent—those who toiled for the party are overlooked and unrewarded. Appointments are now dictated by a small clique from Lagos. The party is effectively dead. That’s why I sought counsel from Tunde Bakare, Buhari, Abdullahi Adamu, Adams Oshiomhole, and Bisi Akande before deciding,” he concluded.
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