Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), months after resigning his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai reportedly registered with the ADC on Thursday and received his membership card at the party’s office in U/Sarki Ward, Kaduna State. He was accompanied by a large crowd of supporters, including former political appointees and several former local government chairmen.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory had on March 10 announced his departure from the APC, citing what he described as a growing disconnect between his political values and the current direction of the ruling party.
In his resignation letter, El-Rufai accused the APC leadership of abandoning the progressive principles that formed the foundation of the party in 2013.
“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 wrote.
He added that for over two years, he had consistently raised concerns — privately and publicly — about the party’s trajectory, but said all warnings were ignored by those in charge.
El-Rufai’s decision to join the ADC is expected to reshape political alignments in Kaduna State ahead of future elections, as observers watch to see what role he will play within his new party.
Political analysts believe the move may trigger further realignments as the 2027 election cycle approaches. El-Rufai’s influence, network, and political machinery may energize the party’s structure at both state and national levels.
Though he has not publicly declared his next political ambition, his defection has already sparked discussions about his possible role in shaping opposition politics ahead of the next electoral cycle.
