Shehu Sani and other prominent politicians in Kaduna State had earlier returned to the ruling APC
By Kehinde Okeowo
Human rights activist and former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has asserted that former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai no longer holds any political relevance and that his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) will make no difference.
TheNiche had earlier reported that El-Rufai resigned from the ruling APC, and joined the SDP on Monday, March 10, stating that he sees the latter as a suitable platform for his future political engagements and activities.
He said, “Today, the 10th of March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately.”
Reacting to the decision via a statement, Shehu Sani said El-Rufai officially dumped APC for SDP out of fear of the unknown.
He, however, insisted that El-Rufai’s defection was of no consequence, as he no longer wields any political influence.
“Unwilling to face the heat, Elrufai in a Facebook Post today formerly resigned from APC,” Shehu Sani added.
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Also reacting to the defection, the Kaduna State chapter of the APC, stated that it remains unperturbed by El-Rufai’s decision to leave the party.
Speaking on the former governor’s decision to join SDP, the Secretary of APC in Kaduna State, Yahaya Baba-Pate, affirmed that the party remains focused on its goals, particularly securing victory for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
He said: “We are unperturbed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
“The APC in Kaduna State is growing by the day, as evidenced by the calibre of politicians joining the party regularly.
“We are not disturbed and will not lose sleep over El-Rufai’s decision. The party in the state is expanding more than ever before.”
Meanwhile, Shehu Sani, alongside other prominent politicians in the state—such as Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, Senator Danjuma Laah, and former Governor Ramalan Yero—returned to APC a few weeks ago.
