Mass exodus rocks Kaduna APC following El-Rufai’s defection to SDP

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State is experiencing a wave of resignations following the exit of former governor Nasir El-Rufai from the party.

Reports indicate that several party members, particularly those loyal to El-Rufai, have submitted their resignation letters, signaling a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he announced publicly, has triggered a chain reaction, with former commissioners under his administration also leaving the APC. Among them are the former Commissioner for Local Government, Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani, and the former Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba.

In his resignation letter, Sani expressed disappointment with the APC leadership, stating that the party had shown “hatred and disdain” towards them despite their efforts in building it.

“With the hatred and disdain shown to us by the leadership of the party we worked hard to nurture, it has become compelling to seek another platform in our desire to bring development and prosperity to our dear people.

“Consequently, after a deep retrospection, re-evaluation, and consultation with key stakeholders in Anchau, Kubau LGA, and Kaduna State, I write to inform you of my decision to withdraw my membership from the APC with immediate effect,” he stated.

Similarly, Hafsat Baba criticized the APC for straying from its founding principles, saying the party had lost its sense of justice, peace, and unity.

“The party has lost its sense of direction and purpose and has deviated from its founding principles of justice, peace, and unity. As an ardent proponent and follower of these principles, continued association with the party as it is currently constituted is against my principles (Aqida),” she stated.

Despite the growing defections, the Kaduna APC has downplayed the situation, stating that it is not bothered by El-Rufai’s exit or that of his loyalists.