By Abubakar Yunusa
The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has welcome the former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the party.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), on Monday morning in what is being seen as a strategic realignment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
His defection was confirmed on Monday, with SDP leader and 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, welcoming him into the party.
Adebayo described El-Rufai’s entry as a significant boost to the SDP’s vision, calling it a “moment of renewed hope for Nigeria.”
He also praised the former governor’s leadership and work ethic, noting that his presence would strengthen the party’s push for reforms.
“With the hardworking and sagacious Mallam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity,” Adebayo wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
El-Rufai’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) follows his growing discontent with the ruling party’s direction.
The former governor cited a misalignment between his values and the APC’s current trajectory as a key factor in his decision.
Adebayo also used the occasion to call on other like-minded politicians and citizens to rally behind the SDP’s mission of addressing governance failures in Nigeria.
“There is no time to waste. Join us on the march again! God bless Nigeria,” he urged.
El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term Governor of Kaduna State, brings extensive political and administrative experience to his new party.
His move is expected to shape political dynamics ahead of the next election cycle.
