By Nankpak Cirfat
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sent tremors through Nigeria’s political landscape. As a founding member of the APC and a staunch ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, his departure is more than a routine political maneuver—it is a seismic shift that raises critical questions about the future of the ruling party and the broader political dynamics in Nigeria.El-Rufai’s exit reveals a growing disillusionment with the APC’s current trajectory. In his statement, he lamented that the party has abandoned its founding principles, stifling internal democracy and alienating its members. His decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is not merely a change of political affiliation; it is a bold indictment of the APC’s leadership, which he accuses of reducing the party to an unrecognizable shadow of its former self.
This move is reminiscent of the exodus that weakened the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2015 elections. El-Rufai, who was instrumental in securing APC victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, now positions himself as a rallying point for opposition forces. His call for a united front to challenge the APC in 2027 signals potential realignments that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
Critics may dismiss his resignation as personal ambition or fallout from his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. However, such a view underestimates El-Rufai’s strategic acumen. By aligning with the SDP, he not only reinvents himself but also creates a platform to challenge the APC’s dominance in northern strongholds like Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina regions pivotal to Buhari’s political machinery
The implications for the APC are profound. El-Rufai was not just another party member; he was a key architect of its successes and a vocal advocate for reform. His departure exposes cracks within the party and raises doubts about its ability to maintain cohesion ahead of 2027. Furthermore, it forces the APC to confront uncomfortable questions: Can it retain its progressive identity? Or has it become another vehicle for entrenched interests?
For Nigeria, this development could herald a new era of political competition. El-Rufai’s move might inspire other disillusioned politicians to seek alternatives, fostering greater accountability and responsiveness among parties. However, it also risks deepening divisions if not managed carefully.
In this unfolding drama, one thing is clear: Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not fading into obscurity. His departure from the APC is not an end but a beginning, one that could redefine Nigeria’s political future. As citizens, we must remain vigilant, demanding transparency and accountability from all leaders, regardless of their affiliations.
The next chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey has begun. And with El-Rufai planting his flag in new soil, the stakes have never been highe
