Former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has raised alarm over a potential plot by the ruling party to infiltrate and destabilize the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he recently joined.
El-Rufai, who officially defected to the SDP on March 10, cited the inability of both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to deliver on the aspirations of Nigerians as the reason behind his decision.
In a recent interview, the former minister alleged that the APC has developed a reputation for undermining opposition parties by planting internal agents to spark crises.
“So there has been an influx [of members], but as part of that influx, we also expect that the sitting government and ruling party will try to inject viruses into the party to create crisis — as it has done, or they have done, in the Labour Party, NNPP, and PDP,” El-Rufai stated.
He described the SDP as a growing symbol of hope for many Nigerians disillusioned with the country’s dominant political parties.
“Since I joined the Social Democratic Party on 10 March, I have been gratified by the reception of Nigerians and love expressed for the party,” he said. “It seems clear to me that most Nigerians have lost hope in both the APC and PDP and are looking for a credible alternative.”
According to El-Rufai, the growing support for the SDP is rooted in the party’s legacy and the integrity of new entrants. He assured that the party has instituted strict measures to safeguard its unity and internal structure.
“We’ve worked hard to prevent crisis in the party by being thorough and carrying out due diligence with regards to those that will be entrusted with the leadership of the SDP,” he added.
El-Rufai’s defection and statements come amid increasing political realignments as the 2027 general elections begin to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
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