By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo & Chinonso Alozie

The defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has led to permutations on the political scene. Apart from the likelihood of giving momentum to the opposition, analysts argued that he may run for the presidency with a southern candidate. The former founding member of APC had dumped the party, citing lack of internal democracy and other reasons. However, northern and southern leaders are divided over what the development holds for the opposition.

Suleiman Abdul-Aziz of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) said the defection was rather driven by personal interest and not largely for the common good. His words: “As northern leaders, we view this move with a critical lens, recognizing it as not merely a shift in party affiliation but as an attempt to manipulate the political consciousness of a region whose leaders El-Rufai has, at times, disparaged. El-Rufai’s political journey has been marked by a series of controversial statements and actions that have often undermined the very leaders of the North he now seeks to rally.”

His tenure as governor was characterized by policies that, while aimed at modernizing Kaduna State, also alienated many traditional leaders and constituents who felt marginalized by his approach. By defecting to the SDP, El-Rufai appears to be seeking redemption or a fresh start, but this raises questions about his sincerity and commitment to the North.

“His past criticisms of northern leaders, whom he has accused of ineffectiveness and corruption, now seem hypocritical as he attempts to position himself as a champion of northern interests. By aligning himself with the SDP, a party that has struggled to gain traction in recent years, El-Rufai may be attempting to carve out a niche for himself as a unifying figure who transcends the traditional North-South divide. Such a strategy could resonate with voters disillusioned by the APC’s internal conflicts and the perceived failures of the current administration.”

However, it also risks further alienating the very constituents he seeks to attract. The North has historically been a stronghold for certain political ideologies and allegiances, and any attempt to undermine this by partnering with a southern candidate may be seen as a betrayal of regional interests. The North is a region with a complex socio-political fabric, marked by deep-seated loyalties and historical grievances. Leaders in the North are acutely aware of the delicate balance required to navigate these dynamics.

“El-Rufai’s defection, therefore, is not merely a personal decision but one that could significantly impact the political consciousness of the region. By attempting to rebrand himself as a leader who can bridge divides, El-Rufai risks underestimating the intelligence and awareness of northern constituents, who are increasingly discerning about the motivations of their leaders.”

Moreover, the North has witnessed a growing demand for authentic representation and accountability. “Leaders who have historically marginalized their constituents or undermined the traditional power structures are viewed with skepticism. El-Rufai’s past actions, including his often abrasive rhetoric and controversial policies, may hinder his ability to effectively connect with the very people he now seeks to represent.”

However, Igbo National Council (INC) said El-Rufai’s defection from All Progressives Congress (APC) may not be consequential, saying it was driven by personal interest. President of INC, Chilos Godsent, told Sunday Vanguard: “One of his reasons was that El-Rufai was not an opposition figure rather an aggrieved member.”
“The defection does not have any weight. It is based on interest. It is not about good governance. It is not about the ideological reshaping of Nigeria’s political participation.”

“It is about economic and political interest inclined by political elites. They are just the same. They can’t do what the system is currently doing now.”

“It is not as if they have anything politically or economically better than what is on the ground. El-Rufai is not an opposition figure. So, he cannot gather such momentum. He is just among aggrieved members.”
Also speaking, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Anthony Sani, said: “There is nothing new in what El-Rufai has done.”




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/2027-el-rufai-divides-northern-southern-leaders/