Barely three weeks after the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the North-West zone of the party said El-Rufai is not their member.

The North West Assistant Secretary, Idris Inuwa, who asserted in a statement in Kaduna, said the ward and state chapter of SDP has no membership record of El-Rufai.

“It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumoured to have joined the SDP. However, neither the chairman of Kaduna North Local Government in Kaduna State nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward has any record of these memberships,” he stated.

Inuwa, therefore, urged El-Rufai and other prospective members to adhere to the proper membership process of joining the SDP.

“We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party.

The North-West Zonal Assistant Secretary also kicked against the dissolution of the Kaduna State working committee of the SDP by the party’s National working committee.

“While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasise that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission. Kaduna State chapter of SDP remains open and welcomes all prospective members who adhere to established procedures.”

It would be recalled that El-Rufai had on March 10, 2025, resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress and defected to the Social Democratic Party.

In a statement to announce his resignation from the APC, El-Rufai said he raised several concerns about the ‘ capricious trajectory ‘ in the ruling party, but the leadership allegedly failed to address them.

Announcing his decision, El-Rufai said he raised several concerns about the “capricious trajectory” in the party but the leadership allegedly failed to address them.

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have launched a scathing attack on Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, the lawmaker representing Birnin Magaji/Kaura Namoda Federal Constituency, accusing him of disloyalty and political betrayal.

The group, speaking through its spokesperson, Abdulkadir Suleiman Zurmi, claimed that Jaji owes his political rise to former Zamfara governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, as well as Senator Abdullaziz Yari.

They alleged that despite benefiting from their support, Jaji has turned against them.

Zurmi likened Jaji’s actions to “biting the fingers that fed him”, arguing that Matawalle had helped resurrect his political career after the 2023 election.

“Nigerians, especially the people of Zamfara, should note that Jaji holds no significant influence in the state’s political landscape.

“Now that Matawalle and Yari have helped him, he is turning against them. Jaji cannot even win an election on his own if left to handle it independently.”

“There is no way a leopard can change its skin.”

The group also questioned Jaji’s claims of spending 25 billion naira (approximately $27 million) during the 2023 presidential election, challenging him to disclose the source of such a vast sum.

They suggested that his statements reflect “a clear malfunction of the brain” and argued that he lacks any legitimate business that could generate such funds.

Jaji, who was recently suspended from the APC, has also accused of working against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Furthermore, they criticized Jaji for allegedly favoring Governor Dauda Lawal of the PDP while sidelining APC leaders. The group cited 2024 political event in Birnin Magaji, where Jaji reportedly invited Lawal but failed to acknowledge key APC figures.

The APC members urged Jaji to realign himself with the party, respect senior politicians, and cease what they described as “double-dealing.”

The statement warned that continued attacks on President Tinubu and party leaders could harm his political career.

The group accused Hon. Jaji of undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interests, despite his associates securing key appointments in the administration.

“Despite two of his close associates, Mansur Khalifa and Dan Maigoro, directly benefiting from presidential appointments, he continues to work against the president due to his strong ties with the PDP and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare. His actions within his zone openly demonstrate his support for the PDP, revealing where his true loyalties lie”

“During the 2023 presidential election, Jaji was reportedly involved in efforts to block Tinubu’s emergence, though APC leaders like Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawalle ensured the party’s victory.

“Additionally, Governor Dauda Lawal suspended All Progressive Congress members in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, except two APC members jaji’s loyalist as a reward for Jaji’s role in sabotaging the party’s success in the state in favor of the PDP.

Jaji’s unsuccessful bid for Speaker of the House, allegedly against Tinubu’s wishes, has fueled speculation about his political opposition to the president.

“Despite his fallout with the presidency, his associates continue to benefit from government appointments, raising concerns that these positions are being used to undermine Tinubu.

“Jaji is forging an alliance with the opposition to strengthen Dauda’s influence in Zamfara, an act seen as a betrayal of the APC.”

Zurmi said Matawalle has served as a commissioner, a member of the House of Representatives for 12 years, a one-term governor, and is currently the Minister of State for Defence.

Similarly, Senator Abdul Aziz Yari is a former governor of Zamfara State, a former member of the House of Representatives, and is now serving as a senator.

“Therefore, the position of a House of Representatives member should not inflate one’s ego or lead to misconduct, as it does not compare to their political stature.

You shamelessly betrayed Abdulaziz Yari, despite owing your rise and status to him. Instead of loyalty, you repaid Yari with insults, accusations, and slander. Your manipulative nature drives conflicts and stirs divisions for personal gain, pretending to protect interests while proving yourself untrustworthy. The hypocrisy is clear— you criticizes Yari yet use his name when convenient. The world has seen through you and this isn’t going to work.”