Esther Salifu
Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, has revealed that his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was done with the knowledge of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In an interview with BBC Hausa service, El-Rufai stated, “I left the APC with his full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party, because I involve and consult with him on all my matters.”
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, cited the party’s deviation from its founding principles as the reason for his departure. “The APC abandoned the ideals that led to its formation. It has abandoned the people. Everyone is now pursuing personal interests and wealth. The government has become a business enterprise where everything has a price,”he said.
The former governor also expressed surprise at the actions of President Bola Tinubu, whom he supported in the 2023 presidential election. However, he stated that he had no regrets supporting Tinubu, citing the need for fairness, balance, and justice in the country.
El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC has sparked interest, with many wondering about his next move. When asked about his political godfather, El-Rufai replied,
“I have those I consult with in everything I do. I inform them of anything I intend to do, and when they demand that I keep off, I do. My first godfather is Muhammadu Buhari.”