By Salihu Lukman, a former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), has said that ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai should have waited before leaving the ruling party for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Lukman, a key figure in a planned national political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, revealed that ongoing negotiations were meant to see several APC leaders exit as a group. However, El-Rufai’s decision to leave early might disrupt those plans.
While acknowledging his long political ties with El-Rufai, Lukman stated that he would not join the SDP unless the party aligns with the coalition’s principles. “My expectation was that he should have been a bit patient for us to walk out as a group based on the ongoing negotiation,” he said.
He admitted that El-Rufai’s exit was inevitable, especially after his recent Arise TV interview, but the timing caught even him by surprise. Lukman expressed hope that the move wouldn’t cause a split in their coalition efforts.
Speaking on the SDP’s role in the coalition, Lukman said discussions have been ongoing. However, he stressed that they seek more than just a political platform for elections; they want a party committed to real change.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP marks a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, raising speculation about future realignments ahead of 2027.
