Elections are won by the people, not politicians–El-Rufai Opens Up After Dumping APC for SDP

Elections are won by the people, not politicians – El-Rufai Opens Up After Dumping APC for SDP

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), declaring that Nigeria needs a political reset rooted in the will of the people—not in the hands of political elites.

Speaking on Monday, El-Rufai emphasized that real electoral power lies with the masses. “A governor only has one vote. Elections are won by the people, not politicians,” he stated, in what many see as a jab at the political establishment.

Explaining his reasons for joining the SDP, El-Rufai said the decision was driven by a need to support a platform untainted by godfatherism, internal strife, and elite manipulation.

“At 65, I’ve served as both minister and governor. I’m not chasing titles. What Nigeria needs now is a credible alternative to rescue it from existential dangers,” he said.

Reflecting on his role in the 2013 merger that birthed the APC, El-Rufai noted that while the initial goal was to unseat the then-incumbent, the current political climate calls for a new kind of unity.

“Today, the objective is to gather Nigerians disillusioned with the current system and offer a platform that truly works. That’s what the SDP represents,” he added.

He painted the SDP as a fresh start for progressive minds—free from the dominance of political godfathers and the grip of vested interests. “We saw how godfatherism ruined the PDP. It’s doing the same to the APC. Nigerians deserve better,” El-Rufai asserted.

While in Kano, El-Rufai met with top SDP stakeholders and paid a courtesy visit to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, signaling his intent to build strong grassroots support in strategic regions.

He also responded to speculation that his defection was born out of political frustration, saying: “I could sit back and enjoy retirement, but I believe Nigeria is in serious trouble. This isn’t about me—it’s a national rescue mission.”

On the controversial issue of power rotation, El-Rufai acknowledged supporting zoning in the past but stressed that Nigeria’s current challenges demand competence over regional sentiment. “What we need now are leaders who can solve problems, not just those who tick geographical boxes,” he said.

Downplaying the wave of high-profile defections to the APC, El-Rufai described them as political theatre with little impact. “We’re not chasing big names. We’re building a movement powered by ordinary Nigerians. The difference will show at the ballot,” he declared.

He also revealed that five political blocs are currently in talks to unite under the SDP umbrella ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that “Kaduna needed to move early because our political structure had to align with a functional platform.”

El-Rufai rounded off by reaffirming that his loyalty lies with Nigeria above any political party. “Even during Buhari’s time, I challenged policies I believed were harmful. I sued over the naira redesign because it hurt Nigerians. For me, it’s always country before party,” he concluded