Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that he informed ex-President Muhammadu Buhari about his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) before making the move. El-Rufai disclosed this during an interview with BBC Hausa, stating that he personally went to see Buhari on a Friday and explained his reasons for leaving the party.
According to El-Rufai, he attributed his departure from the APC to irreconcilable differences. He also mentioned that he had consulted key political figures before aligning himself with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai shared that before finalizing his decision, he showed Buhari a list of his commissioners to verify if any had ever disrespected him. After reviewing the names, Buhari gave his approval and prayed for him. This move has sparked interest, as El-Rufai described Buhari as his “foremost political mentor”.
This development comes after El-Rufai announced his resignation from the APC on social media on March 10. His decision to join the SDP has significant implications for the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
It’s worth noting that El-Rufai’s move may have been influenced by his desire to maintain a strong political presence. By consulting with Buhari and other key figures, El-Rufai demonstrates his commitment to strategic decision-making.
As the SDP prepares for the 2027 elections, El-Rufai’s involvement is likely to bring significant attention and support to the party. His experience as a former governor and his connections with influential political figures will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the SDP.