Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed that he sought and received the blessing of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
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Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai revealed that he met Buhari on March 7 to inform him of his decision. He described Buhari as a political figure with significant influence over his choices and said the former president acknowledged his intentions and prayed for him.
“I quit their party, and I challenge them to eat the party if it is food,” El-Rufai said, taking a swipe at the APC.
Addressing speculation that he left to avoid being expelled, El-Rufai stated that he would have preferred being sacked. He insisted that the APC abandoned him, not the other way around.
The former governor also dismissed claims that he lobbied for a ministerial role in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging that he was aware of individuals who paid for such appointments.
Reflecting on his past interactions with Tinubu, El-Rufai recalled how the president publicly sought his support, vowing to resolve Nigeria’s electricity crisis. He initially believed Tinubu’s commitment but now expresses disappointment.
El-Rufai officially resigned from the APC on March 10 and joined the SDP the same day. He said his decision stemmed from the ruling party’s failure to uphold its founding principles, accusing its leadership of disregarding internal concerns and stifling party organs.
