KADUNA: APC dismisses El-Rufai’s defection as “non-event,” warns SDP of “destruction”

Yesterday, in a statement signed by APC Chairman, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd) and Secretary, Yahaya Baba-Pate, the party described the SDP’s assertions as the “vituperations of political non-starters” who have overplayed their political relevance.

The APC warned that by accepting El-Rufai, the SDP had “sown the seed of its own destruction,” predicting that he would soon cause internal turmoil within the party.

“Nasir El-Rufai’s motivation for leaving APC is self-interest. He is eager to extract a political ‘pound of flesh’ from those he holds responsible for his descent into the political wilderness,” the statement read.

The APC emphasized its commitment to democracy, rule of law, and inclusive governance, stating that its popularity in Kaduna remains unshaken. It highlighted recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) into the APC, reinforcing its dominance in the state.

“We believe that a vibrant and constructive opposition is vital to the strengthening and consolidation of democracy, as well as accelerating the pace of development. Governor Uba Sani runs an all-inclusive, people-centred, and pro-poor administration,” the party added.

The APC dismissed El-Rufai’s defection as insignificant, asserting that the party had no reason to be concerned about individuals seeking political relevance.

“Rather than desperately searching for who to pull down, they should engage in soul-searching and atone for their past misdeeds. In so doing, they will have peace,” the statement concluded.

The response comes amid claims by the SDP that the APC is unsettled by El-Rufai’s defection and is allegedly attempting to suppress opposition figures. The ruling party, however, insisted that it remains focused on governance and would not be distracted by political “non-starters.”