In the wake of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a flurry of speculation has erupted. Many have asked, “What does El-Rufai really want?” Some assume he is angling for the presidency, others whisper about a new power bloc, while a few dismiss his move as another case of political opportunism. But having personally interacted with the former governor of Kaduna State, I can confidently say that none of these assumptions hold water.
Days before his official exit from APC, I shared a picture of myself with El-Rufai on Facebook. Almost immediately, my inbox was flooded with questions about his intentions. The curiosity was understandable—El-Rufai is a man whose political moves are never without significance. But when I asked him directly, his response was clear and deeply reflective:
“I’m not interested in becoming the National Leader or any other position in the SDP. My duty is that of the Mu’adhin—I am to call the prayers, and at the right time, the Imam and his deputy will be unveiled.”
This statement alone dismantles the narrative that his defection was about personal ambition. If anything, it positions him as a political strategist with a mission bigger than himself. El-Rufai is not seeking office; he is building a coalition, uniting the opposition, and challenging the status quo—not for personal gain, but for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
A Historical Perspective: When The Call To Battle Is Necessary
Throughout history, great men have stepped forward in times of turmoil, not to claim thrones, but to rally forces for a greater cause. Think of Winston Churchill, who, despite being sidelined in British politics, rose to unite his nation against Nazi Germany. Consider Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Roman statesman who, though not an emperor, fought relentlessly to preserve the republic from the dictatorship of Julius Caesar. Or, closer to home, Aminu Kano, who dedicated his life to mobilizing the talakawa (common people) against feudal oppression, not because he wanted power, but because he believed in justice.
El-Rufai finds himself in a similar role. He sees a system that, in his view, is faltering, and rather than watch from the sidelines, he has chosen to act. His move to the SDP is not the result of betrayal or selfishness; it is an ideological decision rooted in the belief that the ruling party has lost its way.
Why El-Rufai Cannot Be Blamed For Ditching APC
Critics who accuse El-Rufai of being disloyal to the APC conveniently ignore the party’s trajectory in recent years. He was one of the architects of APC’s rise to power, playing a crucial role in strategizing the 2015 and 2019 victories. However, post-2023, the party has undergone transformations that have alienated many of its core loyalists.
1. Marginalization and Broken Promises: Despite his contributions, El-Rufai was sidelined after the elections, with his ministerial nomination blocked under controversial circumstances.
2. Policy Drift: The APC that once promised reforms and progressive governance has, in his eyes, strayed from its founding principles.
3. Leadership Crisis: The party’s internal structure has become more about patronage than performance, forcing even its most dedicated members to question their place within it.
Given these realities, is it truly surprising that a man of El-Rufai’s conviction would walk away? Loyalty should be to principles, not to a failing institution.
The Bigger Picture: A Call To Challenge The Status Quo
El-Rufai’s response to whether his coalition will win the next election was telling:
“God gives power to whom He wishes. But when the history of this country is written, I want it to be recorded that when things were falling apart, we stood up and challenged the powers that be.”
This statement echoes the timeless duty of those who resist oppression. Whether they succeed or not, history remembers them. From Nelson Mandela’s defiance against apartheid to Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle against colonial rule, victory was not always immediate, but the moral duty to resist injustice was never in question.
El-Rufai’s role in the SDP is that of a kingmaker, not a king. He is rallying the opposition, not for personal gain, but to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy does not slide into complacency. His message is simple: If the ruling party cannot deliver, then the people deserve a credible alternative.
2015
Conclusion: The Making Of A Political Movement
For those still wondering what El-Rufai wants, the answer is now clear—he wants a Nigeria where governance is accountable, where political parties remain true to their promises, and where power is not a monopoly.
He is not looking to rule; he is looking to inspire a movement. And as history has shown, sometimes, the man who calls the prayer is more powerful than the one who leads it.
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