“Elections are won by the people, not politicians” – El-Rufai speaks on APC defections

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday declared that political power lies with the people and not with governors or politicians, as he formally announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Speaking on the recent mass defections to the APC, El-Rufai said: “A governor only has one vote. Elections are won by the people, not by politicians.”

El-Rufai explained that his decision to join the SDP originates from a desire to help build a political platform free from godfatherism, internal crisis, and elite manipulation.

“Nigeria urgently needs a credible political alternative. This is not about personal ambition — I’m 65, I’ve served as minister and governor. This is about rescuing Nigeria from existential threats,” he said.

He noted that while he played a key role in the formation of the APC in 2013, the political realities have changed drastically.

His words: “Twelve years ago, we merged parties to defeat an incumbent. Today, the goal is different. We are bringing together disaffected Nigerians under a platform with better prospects — the SDP.”

El-Rufai said the SDP presents a clean slate for reform-minded politicians and citizens, one not dominated by any individual or hijacked by vested interests.

“We’ve seen how godfatherism destroyed the PDP and is now wrecking the APC. Nigerians deserve a party built on fairness and internal democracy,” he stated.

El-Rufai’s visit to Kano included a strategic meeting with SDP leaders and a courtesy call on Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as part of his efforts to build grassroots momentum in a key electoral state.

He also addressed concerns that his switch to the SDP was a product of political frustration.

“I could retire comfortably. But I believe Nigeria is in crisis. This is a national rescue mission, not a personal crusade,” he noted.

On the issue of rotational presidency, El-Rufai said he still supported power shift in the past but insisted that Nigeria’s current situation demands competence over zoning.

“Our problems are too severe to be reduced to geography. We need leaders who can fix Nigeria, regardless of where they come from,” he stated.

He downplayed recent defections to the APC, calling them media spectacles with limited electoral value.

His words: “We’re not chasing high-profile names. We’re mobilising everyday Nigerians. You’ll see the results when the time comes.”

El-Rufai confirmed that coalition talks are ongoing among five political blocs aiming to consolidate under the SDP banner to create a formidable opposition ahead of 2027.

“Progress is steady. In Kaduna, I had to move faster because our structure needed a platform immediately,” he revealed.

Defending his frequent criticism of the APC despite being a founding member, El-Rufai said his loyalty has always been to Nigeria, not to individuals:

“Even under Buhari, I raised concerns and challenged bad policies. I sued over the naira redesign because it hurt Nigerians. I will always put country before party,” he added.

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.