Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has said that he informed ex-President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai, who was one of the founders of APC, recently joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He said he left because the APC no longer follows the values it was built on.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, he explained that he discussed his decision with Buhari. “I visited him on a Friday and told him I was leaving the party,” he said.
No Regrets, But Surprised
El-Rufai said he does not regret supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, but some of Tinubu’s actions surprised him. He supported Tinubu because:
- Some Yoruba leaders told him Muslims in the South West were not being treated fairly in politics.
- He and other leaders had agreed that power should move to Southern Nigeria for fairness.
Why He Left APC
El-Rufai said APC had changed and was now focused on money and personal interests. He also said that people who worked hard for the party were not recognized. He claimed that a small group from Lagos now controls everything.
Before making his final decision, he said he consulted important political figures like Buhari, Tunde Bakare, and Adams Oshiomhole.
