El Rufai Dumps APC: Presidency Dismisses El-Rufai’s Defection to SDP as Driven by Personal Ambition

The Nigerian Presidency has downplayed the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), attributing his move to personal ambition rather than genuine political ideology.

Reacting to the development on Monday, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, stated that while El-Rufai has the constitutional right to switch political allegiance, his motivations warrant scrutiny.

Bwala, in a post on his verified X handle (@DanielBwala), argued that the former governor’s political influence is neither as sudden nor as groundbreaking as some may suggest. He further indicated that El-Rufai’s decision will be examined in the coming days to understand its broader implications.

Criticizing El-Rufai’s association with opposition elements, Bwala asserted that aligning with individuals intent on unseating the incumbent administration does not equate to political ideology or progressivism. Instead, he described the move as a manifestation of personal ambition, one he believes is unlikely to succeed.

“Senior, @elrufai, I read the news today that you resigned from APC to join SDP. Well, I have nothing against you because you exercised your constitutional right,” Bwala wrote.

“However, the motive is what we will interrogate in the coming days and remind Nigerians that you are not a phenomenon that emerged like a clap of thunder out of a blue sky. We will intellectually remind you that associating with sore losers to unseat the incumbent is not an ideology, neither is it progressivism. It is simply an inordinate ambition that is destined to fail.”

El-Rufai confirmed his defection to the SDP on Monday, stating that it was the best course of action for him at this time. His decision has sparked debates within political circles, with analysts closely watching how this move will impact Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next elections.