The defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has triggered a wave of political realignments, with reports suggesting that several key figures from Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are set to follow suit.
According to sources, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and Pastor Tunde Bakare are among the notable figures considering a move to the SDP. This development comes amid speculations that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi are also exploring the possibility of joining forces under the SDP platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai’s Departure and Criticism of APC
El-Rufai, who played a key role in the formation and electoral success of the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, officially resigned from the party on Monday, March 10, 2025. He cited a widening disconnect between his values and the party’s current trajectory as the reason for his exit, accusing the APC leadership of abandoning internal democracy and disregarding founding principles.
“I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” El-Rufai stated.
He also urged his supporters to join him in the SDP, positioning it as a viable alternative for those disillusioned with the APC.
Peter Obi’s Possible Move to SDP?
El-Rufai’s defection has sparked discussions about a possible alliance between the SDP and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023. His son, Bashir El-Rufai, fueled these speculations when he cryptically responded to a social media post suggesting that the SDP needed Obi to challenge APC in 2027, saying:
“He is coming.” Bashir Ahmad tweeted.
This statement has intensified debates about whether Obi is in talks to leave the Labour Party and join the SDP.
SDP’s Presidential Ambitions and Allegations Against El-Rufai
The SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has welcomed El-Rufai into the party, describing him as an asset with a strong record of public service. However, he also noted that El-Rufai had weaknesses to work on.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai is facing corruption allegations following an investigation by the Kaduna State House of Assembly into his administration from 2015 to 2023. The report accuses him and his aides of mismanagement of loans, contract fraud, and money laundering.
Three of his former aides have already been arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for alleged money laundering totaling N64.8 million. While El-Rufai has not been directly charged, the involvement of his close associates has raised concerns about his oversight during his tenure as governor.
What This Means for 2027
The possible alignment of Atiku, Obi, and other key opposition figures under the SDP could significantly alter the 2027 presidential race. If these realignments materialize, the APC could face its most formidable challenge yet, with a united opposition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to shift, all eyes are now on the SDP’s next moves and whether Obi, Atiku, and other defectors will formally announce their switch in the coming months.
