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16/03/2025
March 11, 2025 - by Alabi Abdul, Kaduna and Bode Olagoke, Abuja
After months of speculated defection plan arising from his hobnobbing with the opposition, former Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai has formally dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC), and teamed up with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Announcing the decision in a statement Monday on his Facebook page, the former governor cited irreconcilable differences with the ruling party.
The former FCT minister, who also said he had submitted his resignation letter to his APC ward in Kaduna, effective immediately, also accused the Umar Ganduje leadership of the party of deviating from its founding principles and disregarding internal democratic processes.
However, the APC and a former lawmaker from the state, Senator Shehu Sani, said the party would be better off without him.
They said the party remains focused on strengthening its base and delivering the state for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani come 2027.
…The defection
Announcing his defection to the SDP, El-Rufai said: “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC would continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party.
“On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.
“Founders rightly feel attached towards institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable. I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform, but I recognize that the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.
“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019, that stood for certain democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building. My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, as well as expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs and attract investments. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.
“Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.
“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God. I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race,” El-Rufai said.
…Pre-defection moves
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP follows a series of developments suggesting a shift in his political trajectory.
His associates in Kaduna, including former lawmakers and political allies, have in recent weeks defected to the SDP.
Notably, Rt. Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maikano, a three-term member of the Kaduna state House of Assembly, was announced last week as the interim chairman of the party in the state.
Also, an account linked to El-Rufai’s son, Bashir El-Rufai, also posted an image of the SDP logo, followed shortly by another post that read: “The game begins to see who & who is irrelevant. Political Science 101.”
El-Rufai’s recent visits to former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and prominent cleric, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in Lagos had also fuelled speculation about possible strategic alliances.
…Good riddance it is – APC
Dismissing his defection as inconsequential, the Kaduna state chapter of the APC said the party remains strong and won’t lose sleep over the former governor’s departure.
In his reaction, the state secretary of the party, Alhaji Yahaya Baba-Pate, said: “We are unperturbed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is to ensure victory for both President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.”
Baba-Pate added: “The APC in Kaduna State is expanding by the day, judging by the caliber of politicians joining us. We are not disturbed by anyone leaving, as our governor’s inclusive governance continues to attract more members.”
“We are not worried, and we certainly won’t lose sleep over El-Rufai’s move. The APC in Kaduna is stronger than ever,” he further stated.
…He was in fear, says Shehu Sani
Similarly, a former lawmaker who represented the Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, Comrade Shehu Sani, dismissed the political impact the ex-governor’s defection could have on the state’s political arrangement.
“Leaving APC for SDP won’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again,” he said.
A statement from Shehu Sani’s office linked El-Rufai’s defection to fears over recent political realignments in Kaduna, particularly the return of key figures like former Governor Ramalan Yero, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, and Senator Danjuma Laah to the APC.
“The return of Shehu Sani and other prominent politicians to the APC has unsettled El-Rufai,” the statement added.
It further noted that El-Rufai, unwilling to face the growing influence of these politicians within the APC, formally resigned from the party.
…Exit too early, says Lukman
Also in another reaction, a chief strategist and key leader in the proposed national political coalition ahead of 2027 general elections, Malam Salihu Moh. Lukman said the former governor’s defection was too early.
Lukman, a former Director General of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), however, declared that he would not join El-Rufai in SDP unless the party meets the coalition and open up its fold.
Speaking with newsmen Monday in Abuja, Lukman said: “Only if SDP meets the conditions we have set, which I have highlighted. At the moment, they have not met. We are in discussion, no doubt about it. If they meet it tomorrow, fine.”
“It’s expected even after the interview he granted on Arise TV. You can see the handwriting. But whether it is going to come so soon is what even I couldn’t have said. My expectation was that he should have been a bit patient for us to walk out as a group based on the current negotiation that is ongoing.
“But he knows better and I do hope his decision is not going to become like a kind of break away from whatever we are doing. My hope is that at the end, we should be able to reconcile and work together under one platform,” he said.
When asked to speak on whether the proposed coalition will adopt SDP as the platform for 2027 elections, Lukman said: “I think the discussion about whether SDP will be there or not has been an ongoing thing.
“The challenge is a question of whether SDP will submit itself to some of the conditions that we believe are necessary. What are these conditions? Frankly speaking, unlike most conventional politicians, most conventional politicians who just want a platform where they will present candidates and use it to win elections, there are a few of us who believe the issue is beyond that.
“What Nigerians need is a platform that will promote political competition in the country. If you remember, the problem Nigerians had with PDP is the problem of imposition of candidates. And when the APC came and promised ‘Change’, the expectation of Nigerians is that we will change the culture of imposition.”
Original source: https://blueprint.ng/apc-shehu...
Make your comments below
EXTRA: Fayemi and unending obsession with bid to sack Tinubu
30/03/2025
By SANYA ADEJOKUN
I remember the day I drove a visiting friend to Kayode Fayemi’s house. He was Minister of Solid Minerals (abi?). It was during PMB’s administration.
Buhari’s faction of APC had just defeated Tinubu in the Ondo State governorship election. Fayemi was the arrowhead of Buhari’s faction. PMB had mandated him to go and deliver Akeredolu as governor.
It was my first day of meeting with him and the opportunity has not come again.
Fayemi was still basking in the euphoria of ‘defeating’ Tinubu and putting him in his place. According to him, it was the dawn of a new order. As I sat listening to him smiling and relieving how it all happened, I felt disgusted. I have never met Tinubu up till now but I like him.
I interjected in the discussion and asked him pointedly: do you think what is happening is in the best interest of Yoruba? He looked at me, obviously didn’t like the question but tried to rationalise it. I pointed it out that should Tinubu be permanently diminished at that point there was no other Yoruba person that had the same clout in national politics. I recalled how Bola Ige was murdered and that since then, we’ve only had Tinubu.
READ ALSO: Tinubu at 73: President promises more hard work for peace, stability
Fayemi later returned to Ekiti as governor until it was preparation time for 2023 elections.
Before then and while still a minister, an event occurred at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja which was the launch of Safe School Initiative. El Rufai was present as Governor of Kaduna Stare, Fayemi was also in attendance. I was angry when I saw Fayemi kneeling down inside the hall while speaking with El Rufai. I didn’t like it at all! I took the pictures. I can’t find them right now.
Back to my story, as the 2023 elections were approaching, there were speculations as to which individuals would show interest in Yorubaland. Remember that Tinubu had been much sidelined in the party with all his known loyalists removed from positions of influence in the APC. Moreover, the man became ill and was flown to France.
Speculations mounted.
By that time, Akeredolu had emerged captain of both southern governors and south west governors. Reporters asked him on an occasion who the South West would be supporting as presidential candidate and without mincing words, the late governor declared that they were waiting for their Capo to signal the direction. Shortly after, a delegation of APC governors from the south west embarked on a voyage to France. The rest is history.
Anyway, good luck to him but what would he say Tinubu did to offend him bearing in mind how he came to national prominence in the first place? Or must they be in government perpetually?
Remember also that Akeredolu had by then fallen out with Buhari over issues of federalism and herdsmen menace in the region. Fayemi obviously continued to be their ally.
It wasn’t therefore, any surprise to me, when after Tinubu obtained nomination form, Fayemi also did same. Many people speculated that Tinubu provided the funds for him and others to obtain forms but I just laughed. While not vouching for others, I was ready to wager that Fayemi was not joking although he was forced to withdraw on the night of the primaries when it became obvious who would win.
So, a few weeks ago when he launched his Leadership Academy, I knew something was in the offing especially when I saw those in attendance.
Today, at the launch of opposition coalition to defeat Tinubu in 2027, he didn’t attend but sent apologies. Just imagine that the coalition is not about Nigeria but about defeating Tinubu! He is part of them. Who are those in the coalition? Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, El Rufai, Kayode Fayemi etc. All of them have held important positions but what are their records of service? How for instance was Ekiti better on May 29, 2023 than it was four years before then? In Anambra, many local governments are just now having the first government built hospitals since creation, Atiku Abubakar presided over privatisation of government assets for almost eight years and we all know the results.
Anyway, good luck to him but what would he say Tinubu did to offend him bearing in mind how he came to national prominence in the first place? Or must they be in government perpetually?
Source: https://frontpageng.com/extra-...
Does Gov. Fayemi has good history as governor or minister? What are your review/comments
APC, Shehu Sani to El-Rufai: We aren’t losing sleep, party stronger without you
16/03/2025
March 11, 2025 - by Alabi Abdul, Kaduna and Bode Olagoke, Abuja
After months of speculated defection plan arising from his hobnobbing with the opposition, former Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai has formally dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC), and teamed up with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Announcing the decision in a statement Monday on his Facebook page, the former governor cited irreconcilable differences with the ruling party.
The former FCT minister, who also said he had submitted his resignation letter to his APC ward in Kaduna, effective immediately, also accused the Umar Ganduje leadership of the party of deviating from its founding principles and disregarding internal democratic processes.
However, the APC and a former lawmaker from the state, Senator Shehu Sani, said the party would be better off without him.
They said the party remains focused on strengthening its base and delivering the state for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani come 2027.
…The defection
Announcing his defection to the SDP, El-Rufai said: “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC would continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party.
“On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.
“Founders rightly feel attached towards institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable. I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform, but I recognize that the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.
“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019, that stood for certain democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building. My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, as well as expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs and attract investments. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.
“Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.
“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God. I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race,” El-Rufai said.
…Pre-defection moves
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP follows a series of developments suggesting a shift in his political trajectory.
His associates in Kaduna, including former lawmakers and political allies, have in recent weeks defected to the SDP.
Notably, Rt. Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maikano, a three-term member of the Kaduna state House of Assembly, was announced last week as the interim chairman of the party in the state.
Also, an account linked to El-Rufai’s son, Bashir El-Rufai, also posted an image of the SDP logo, followed shortly by another post that read: “The game begins to see who & who is irrelevant. Political Science 101.”
El-Rufai’s recent visits to former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and prominent cleric, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in Lagos had also fuelled speculation about possible strategic alliances.
…Good riddance it is – APC
Dismissing his defection as inconsequential, the Kaduna state chapter of the APC said the party remains strong and won’t lose sleep over the former governor’s departure.
In his reaction, the state secretary of the party, Alhaji Yahaya Baba-Pate, said: “We are unperturbed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is to ensure victory for both President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.”
Baba-Pate added: “The APC in Kaduna State is expanding by the day, judging by the caliber of politicians joining us. We are not disturbed by anyone leaving, as our governor’s inclusive governance continues to attract more members.”
“We are not worried, and we certainly won’t lose sleep over El-Rufai’s move. The APC in Kaduna is stronger than ever,” he further stated.
…He was in fear, says Shehu Sani
Similarly, a former lawmaker who represented the Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, Comrade Shehu Sani, dismissed the political impact the ex-governor’s defection could have on the state’s political arrangement.
“Leaving APC for SDP won’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again,” he said.
A statement from Shehu Sani’s office linked El-Rufai’s defection to fears over recent political realignments in Kaduna, particularly the return of key figures like former Governor Ramalan Yero, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, and Senator Danjuma Laah to the APC.
“The return of Shehu Sani and other prominent politicians to the APC has unsettled El-Rufai,” the statement added.
It further noted that El-Rufai, unwilling to face the growing influence of these politicians within the APC, formally resigned from the party.
…Exit too early, says Lukman
Also in another reaction, a chief strategist and key leader in the proposed national political coalition ahead of 2027 general elections, Malam Salihu Moh. Lukman said the former governor’s defection was too early.
Lukman, a former Director General of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), however, declared that he would not join El-Rufai in SDP unless the party meets the coalition and open up its fold.
Speaking with newsmen Monday in Abuja, Lukman said: “Only if SDP meets the conditions we have set, which I have highlighted. At the moment, they have not met. We are in discussion, no doubt about it. If they meet it tomorrow, fine.”
“It’s expected even after the interview he granted on Arise TV. You can see the handwriting. But whether it is going to come so soon is what even I couldn’t have said. My expectation was that he should have been a bit patient for us to walk out as a group based on the current negotiation that is ongoing.
“But he knows better and I do hope his decision is not going to become like a kind of break away from whatever we are doing. My hope is that at the end, we should be able to reconcile and work together under one platform,” he said.
When asked to speak on whether the proposed coalition will adopt SDP as the platform for 2027 elections, Lukman said: “I think the discussion about whether SDP will be there or not has been an ongoing thing.
“The challenge is a question of whether SDP will submit itself to some of the conditions that we believe are necessary. What are these conditions? Frankly speaking, unlike most conventional politicians, most conventional politicians who just want a platform where they will present candidates and use it to win elections, there are a few of us who believe the issue is beyond that.
“What Nigerians need is a platform that will promote political competition in the country. If you remember, the problem Nigerians had with PDP is the problem of imposition of candidates. And when the APC came and promised ‘Change’, the expectation of Nigerians is that we will change the culture of imposition.”
Original source: https://blueprint.ng/apc-shehu...
Make your comments below
EXTRA: Fayemi and unending obsession with bid to sack Tinubu
30/03/2025
By SANYA ADEJOKUN
I remember the day I drove a visiting friend to Kayode Fayemi’s house. He was Minister of Solid Minerals (abi?). It was during PMB’s administration.
Buhari’s faction of APC had just defeated Tinubu in the Ondo State governorship election. Fayemi was the arrowhead of Buhari’s faction. PMB had mandated him to go and deliver Akeredolu as governor.
It was my first day of meeting with him and the opportunity has not come again.
Fayemi was still basking in the euphoria of ‘defeating’ Tinubu and putting him in his place. According to him, it was the dawn of a new order. As I sat listening to him smiling and relieving how it all happened, I felt disgusted. I have never met Tinubu up till now but I like him.
I interjected in the discussion and asked him pointedly: do you think what is happening is in the best interest of Yoruba? He looked at me, obviously didn’t like the question but tried to rationalise it. I pointed it out that should Tinubu be permanently diminished at that point there was no other Yoruba person that had the same clout in national politics. I recalled how Bola Ige was murdered and that since then, we’ve only had Tinubu.
READ ALSO: Tinubu at 73: President promises more hard work for peace, stability
Fayemi later returned to Ekiti as governor until it was preparation time for 2023 elections.
Before then and while still a minister, an event occurred at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja which was the launch of Safe School Initiative. El Rufai was present as Governor of Kaduna Stare, Fayemi was also in attendance. I was angry when I saw Fayemi kneeling down inside the hall while speaking with El Rufai. I didn’t like it at all! I took the pictures. I can’t find them right now.
Back to my story, as the 2023 elections were approaching, there were speculations as to which individuals would show interest in Yorubaland. Remember that Tinubu had been much sidelined in the party with all his known loyalists removed from positions of influence in the APC. Moreover, the man became ill and was flown to France.
Speculations mounted.
By that time, Akeredolu had emerged captain of both southern governors and south west governors. Reporters asked him on an occasion who the South West would be supporting as presidential candidate and without mincing words, the late governor declared that they were waiting for their Capo to signal the direction. Shortly after, a delegation of APC governors from the south west embarked on a voyage to France. The rest is history.
Anyway, good luck to him but what would he say Tinubu did to offend him bearing in mind how he came to national prominence in the first place? Or must they be in government perpetually?
Remember also that Akeredolu had by then fallen out with Buhari over issues of federalism and herdsmen menace in the region. Fayemi obviously continued to be their ally.
It wasn’t therefore, any surprise to me, when after Tinubu obtained nomination form, Fayemi also did same. Many people speculated that Tinubu provided the funds for him and others to obtain forms but I just laughed. While not vouching for others, I was ready to wager that Fayemi was not joking although he was forced to withdraw on the night of the primaries when it became obvious who would win.
So, a few weeks ago when he launched his Leadership Academy, I knew something was in the offing especially when I saw those in attendance.
Today, at the launch of opposition coalition to defeat Tinubu in 2027, he didn’t attend but sent apologies. Just imagine that the coalition is not about Nigeria but about defeating Tinubu! He is part of them. Who are those in the coalition? Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, El Rufai, Kayode Fayemi etc. All of them have held important positions but what are their records of service? How for instance was Ekiti better on May 29, 2023 than it was four years before then? In Anambra, many local governments are just now having the first government built hospitals since creation, Atiku Abubakar presided over privatisation of government assets for almost eight years and we all know the results.
Anyway, good luck to him but what would he say Tinubu did to offend him bearing in mind how he came to national prominence in the first place? Or must they be in government perpetually?
Source: https://frontpageng.com/extra-...
Does Gov. Fayemi has good history as governor or minister? What are your review/comments