By Zara Maisango
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed that his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) had the blessing and prayers of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai revealed that he met with Buhari on March 7 to inform him of his plan to dump the ruling party for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). According to him, Buhari not only approved his decision but also prayed for him.
“I have always consulted Buhari before making major political moves,” El-Rufai said, adding that during his tenure as governor, he regularly sought Buhari’s input on appointments and governance matters.
Three days after the meeting, on March 10, El-Rufai officially announced his resignation from the APC, stating that the party had abandoned its founding principles. “I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and use it as my new political platform,” he declared.
El-Rufai’s defection signals a major political shift, with many now speculating on the future of the APC and the impact of his move on upcoming elections.