Exclusive: El-Rufai Rejects PDP, Warns APC To Resolve Internal Chaos Or Lose Him

Exclusive: El-Rufai Rejects PDP, Warns APC To Resolve Internal Chaos Or Lose Him

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has denied rumors of his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Ireporteronline, El-Rufai clarified that he has no plans to join the opposition but may explore other political options if the All Progressives Congress (APC) fails to uphold its founding principles..……READ MORE 

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai dismissed claims that his recent engagements with politicians from other parties signal his exit from the APC.

He explained that his meetings with leaders across political affiliations are being misinterpreted, stating, “Being a member of the APC doesn’t mean I can’t visit a friend in PDP or SDP. Any time I meet someone outside the APC, people assume I am leaving the party.”

El-Rufai also debunked speculations linking him to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following his visit to the party’s headquarters. He stressed, “When I visited Shehu Gabam at the SDP headquarters, people said I had joined the SDP. Again, that is not true.”

Despite uncertainties surrounding his political future, El-Rufai categorically ruled out joining the PDP. However, he hinted that his stay in the APC would depend on whether the party resolves its internal conflicts.

“I don’t know where I will end up if the APC doesn’t return to its original vision, but one thing is certain—I will never join PDP. I ruled that out long ago, and nothing has changed,” he affirmed.

On reports of his recent meeting with PDP leaders in Kaduna, El-Rufai said, “I met with PDP leadership in Kaduna recently. They visited me, and I welcomed them. As a public figure and leader in my state, I interact with people across party lines.”

He maintained that such interactions should not be mistaken for political realignment, adding, “If people want to meet me, I won’t reject them based on party affiliation. It is my duty to engage with and mentor young politicians, regardless of their political leanings. But every meeting I have is reduced to politics.”

While reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, El-Rufai left the possibility open for a realignment if the party fails to resolve its ongoing challenges.

“But PDP? No. Other parties? Maybe, if the APC doesn’t sort itself out,” he stated.