Shehu Sani to El-Rufai: Your political influence has faded

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has downplayed the political relevance of ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Sani, in a reaction to El-Rufai’s decision to decamp from APC to SDP, said on Monday that ” leaving APC for SDP wouldn’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again.”

He said: “But one thing is sure , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Governor Uba Sani will be voted again” in 2027.

The statement from Shehu Sani’s office also explained: “Less than 24 hours after the former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu openly declared support for Governor Uba’s reelection bid, the former Kaduna Governor, Mal. Nasir Elrufai out of alleged fears of the unknown, officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP)”.

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“Information gathered revealed that the return of Shehu Sani and other prominent politicians in the State such as Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi; Senator Danjuma Laah , Former Governor Ramalan Yero and others to APC recently unsettled the El-Rufai”, the statement added.

“Shehu Sani had said his major political interest in 2027 is to see Governor Uba Sani reelected as Kaduna State governor”, it further stressed.

“Unwilling to face the heat, Elrufai in a Facebook Post today formerly resigned from APC,” the statement added.

Shehu Sani to El-Rufai: Your political influence has faded

El-Rufai explains why he finally dumps APC for SDP

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party’s deviation from its founding principles and lack of internal democracy.

In a statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai explained that after extensive consultations, he had decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as a platform to continue pursuing his progressive political ideals.

Disillusionment with APC

El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, said he had hoped that the party’s core values would remain intact, but recent events had convinced him otherwise.

“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,” he stated.

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He further noted that his contributions to the party’s successes, including the electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, had been disregarded by the current leadership.

“The APC has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.”

Announcing his decision to join the SDP, El-Rufai described the party as a better platform for promoting democratic values, good governance, and national unity.

“I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.”

El-Rufai explains why he finally dumps APC for SDP

Atiku support group blasts Bode George as Tinubu apologist

A pro-Atiku support group, Nigerian Youths for Atiku (NYFA), has called on former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, to desist from attacking and opposing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Director of Communications for NYFA (Nigeria and Diaspora), Dare Dada, made this appeal in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, describing George’s opposition as “an avowed apologist of Tinubu and the APC.”

“Bode George should open a campaign office in Lagos for the re-election of Bola Tinubu, as his constant attacks and campaign against Atiku towards 2027 are becoming irrational and irritating.

“Interestingly, he is standing alone. Nigerians have left him behind. The general opinion across the country is focused on how to rescue our country from the doldrums, and with Atiku, the chances are very high,” Dada stated.

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Dada further criticized George’s role in the PDP, accusing him of contributing to the party’s failures in Lagos and the resignation of notable members.

“Chief George is one of those politicians responsible for the sorry state of the PDP today; his continued envy of Atiku Abubakar is well noted,” he said.

He dismissed George as a “local champion” who has failed to deliver his polling unit for the PDP in past elections.

“As an elder of the party, he should be focused on salvaging the PDP rather than attacking Atiku. We have noted with dismay how George, who has lost political capital and relevance, continues to attack Atiku in a bid to remain in the spotlight,” Dada added.

The NYFA maintained that Atiku remains the strongest contender against President Bola Tinubu in the next election, questioning who among George’s preferred candidates could challenge Tinubu successfully.

“We ask him: Who among his preferred choices can defeat President Tinubu in the circumstance if not Atiku Abubakar? Or does he see himself fit for the job in his delusional mind?” Dada queried.

“We urge Chief George to stop the pretences. It is public knowledge that he is an avowed apologist of Tinubu and the APC. Nigerians now know better,” Dada asserted.

Atiku support group blasts Bode George as Tinubu apologist