El-Rufai’s Political Shift: “I Choose Nigeria Over Party Politics”.
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- El-Rufai’s Political Shift: “I Choose Nigeria Over Party Politics”.
- 28 Apr, 2025
- Faith Kegh
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El-Rufai’s Political Shift: “I Choose Nigeria Over Party Politics”.
A New Chapter Begins
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is turning heads once again—not by chasing power, but by pledging allegiance to something greater: the future of Nigeria.
On a visit to Kano, El-Rufai met with Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). During the meeting, he declared that his loyalty has always been to Nigeria—not to political parties or individuals.
Why El-Rufai Joined the SDP
El-Rufai revealed that his decision to join the SDP stems from a desire to support a credible alternative to the status quo. He criticized both the APC and PDP for being plagued by godfatherism and dysfunction, and said the SDP offers something different: fairness, internal democracy, and a fresh start.
Twelve years ago, we built the APC and unseated a sitting president. Today, the circumstances demand a different path,” he explained.
No More Personal Ambition
At 65, El-Rufai says he’s not chasing titles or positions.
I could retire comfortably, but Nigeria is in crisis. My involvement now is not about ambition—it’s about responsibility,” he said.
On Zoning and Leadership
He also challenged the idea of regional power rotation, stating that what Nigeria needs now is leadership defined by vision and competence, not ethnicity or geography.
Let’s stop obsessing over where the next president comes from. What matters is the ability to fix Nigeria.
Focus on the Grassroots
Instead of recruiting prominent politicians, El-Rufai says the SDP is building a movement from the ground up.
One governor has one vote. It’s the people who decide elections, not the elite.”
He also addressed misconceptions that the SDP is limited to certain regions, saying that quiet but strategic efforts are underway nationwide, including in the South.
Critic of the Status Quo
El-Rufai defended his past critiques of the Buhari administration, especially during the controversial naira redesign policy, proving he’s willing to speak out—even against his own party.
A Message to Young Nigerians
He ended with a powerful message for the country’s youth:
I lost my parents at eight, but Nigeria gave me opportunities. We can’t abandon this country to corrupt politicians. It’s time to rebuild.”
Final Thoughts
El-Rufai’s shift to the SDP isn’t just about changing parties—it’s about challenging the very foundation of Nigerian politics. Whether or not you agree with his methods, one thing is clear: he’s betting on Nigeria.
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Faith Kegh
Content & Editorial Manager - Leads the creation, review, and publication of high-quality news and media content. She ensures that all editorial work reflects the organization’s standards of accuracy, professionalism, and relevance, while also engaging and informing the audience.
As the key driver of TokinPoint Media LTD's editorial voice, the manager oversees content planning, assigns tasks to writers or editors, enforces deadlines, and ensures consistency across all platforms. She also plays a strategic role in aligning content with audience interests and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.