Kaduna State’s immediate past governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing dissatisfaction with the party’s current leadership direction.

El-Rufai announced his departure in a statement on Monday, expressing his disillusionment with the APC’s deviation from its foundational progressive ideals.

“At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP),” he declared.

The former governor disclosed that he had repeatedly voiced concerns, both privately and publicly, about the party’s declining trajectory over the past two years. However, he lamented that the APC’s leadership showed no willingness to address the issues.

“Developments in the last two years on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the state,” he said.

El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna governor between 2015 and 2023, highlighted his administration’s commitment to progressive governance but noted that his contributions have been disregarded under the current APC leadership.

“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable,” he added.

As part of his defection process, El-Rufai confirmed that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to his APC ward in Kaduna North Local Government Area.

A New Political Path

The former governor described the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as his new political platform, calling on his supporters and concerned Nigerians to join him in the movement. He stressed the need for a strong democratic alternative to challenge the APC in future elections.

His decision follows recent consultations with prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Vice Presidential candidate Tunde Bakare, and former President Muhammadu Buhari.

El-Rufai’s defection also comes amid reports of tensions between him and the presidency, with the former governor notably absent from the APC National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last month.

His departure marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, with many observers speculating on its potential impact ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Businessman, philanthropist, and retired military officer, Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, has formally joined active politics, declaring for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his hometown of Saki on Tuesday.

Dr. Adegbola, an international businessman and popular hotelier, made his declaration at Baabo Community, Ward 10, Saki West Local Government Area, where he expressed his commitment to contributing to the progress of the party and society.

Continuing his move, he visited the APC State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Wednesday, where he was formally received by the Oyo APC State Executive Committee, led by the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas. The event was attended by key party stakeholders, who hailed his decision to join the opposition party in Oyo State at this crucial time.

While welcoming Adegbola into the APC fold, Alhaji Abas described him as a man of integrity, courage, and passion for public service.

“Things can only get better in the way we do politics if we have reputable citizens and people of proven character like Dr. Adegbola in the system,” Abas said.

“Your decision to join our great party at a time when we are in opposition in Oyo State speaks volumes about your personality. It shows you are a courageous, selfless, and passionate man ready to expand the scope of your service to Nigerian society and humanity in general. We are glad to have you in our party, and I am confident that we will work together to return APC to power in Oyo State come 2027.”

Adegbola was introduced to the state leadership by the Chairman of APC in Saki West, Alhaji Tajudeen Okunlola, who commended him for taking the bold step of joining the party.

Speaking at the event, Adegbola explained that his decision to join politics was borne out of his passion for public service and a desire to make a greater impact on society.

“I have always derived happiness from helping others, especially the less privileged, and I believe that joining active politics will afford me the opportunity to do more,” he stated.

He further revealed that he had been a longtime follower of the late Chief Michael Koleoso, the Babalaje of Saki, and other progressive leaders who championed quality leadership and governance.

The businessman also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that every well-meaning Nigerian should rally behind his administration’s efforts to transform the country.

“I see APC as the best political platform because it has the highest number of passionate and competent citizens who are capable of moving Nigeria forward,” he added.

He noted that since making his intention to join the APC public, many of his associates had expressed readiness to follow suit, vowing to mobilise more members to strengthen the party across the state.

Among those who received Dr. Adegbola at the Oyo APC Secretariat were: Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite (State Secretary), Olawale Sadare (State Publicity Secretary), Prince John Aremu (State Youth Leader), Mrs. Tinuade Adigun, Alhaji Olalekan Busari (State Treasurer), Hon. Sayo Fatoki, Alhaji Sulaimon Bankole and Comrade Peter Odesola.

The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Hon. (Prince) Akinmoyede Olafisoye has distributed educational materials worth ₦100 million to no fewer than 3,000 students and 100 public primary and secondary schools in his constituency.

The event, held yesterday at Faith Joe Events Centre, beside Community Grammar School, Alegongo, Ibadan, was marked by celebration and appreciation from prominent political stalwarts and stakeholders in the education sector who graced the occasion.

The programme, organised in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), aimed to stimulate educational standards and improve learning quality among beneficiaries.

Akinmoyede provided an array of educational materials, including whiteboards, blackboards, markers, dusters, highlighters, staple machines, scientific calculators, school bags, lunch boxes, mathematical sets, and exercise books (40, 60, and 80 leaves). Also, financial support was given to each beneficiary school to aid transportation to the venue.

In his speech, the lawmaker emphasised that the initiative was his way of giving back to his constituents, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.

“These items will help to enhance and uplift educational and learning activities among the benefited schools, their teachers, and students alike,” he stated.

The lawmaker, popularly called Lafi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, all three senators and House of Representatives members from Oyo State, the 32 state House of Assembly members, and the Chairmen of Akinyele and Lagelu Local Government Areas for their collective efforts in improving the lives of the people.

He assured that he would continue to support and facilitate initiatives that foster development in his constituency and Oyo State at large.

Speaking at the event, the Oyo State SMEDAN Manager, Mrs. Ojogbede Iyabo Mabel, hailed the initiative as a remarkable step towards education development.

“What Hon. Lafi is doing today challenges those aspiring for political offices to prioritize impactful initiatives when they get to power,” she remarked.

Some beneficiaries expressed joy, stating that the initiative would have a significant impact on the educational development of Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency. They described the lawmaker as a committed leader dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of his people through numerous projects since his election into the House of Representatives in 2023.

Among the beneficiary schools were:  Amajiri School, Akinyele, Community High School, Alabata, Community Primary School, Elemona,
IDC Korukoru, IDC New Site, Ojoo, Islamic Mission School, Onikokoro, Community High School, Arulogun, and several others.

The event attracted prominent dignitaries, including Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, Hon. Murphy Adigun, Hon. D.A. Lawal, Architect Hassan Giwa, Hon. Ope Salami, Hon. Mukaila Ambali, Chief Kehinde Balogun, Chief Biodun Amoo, and Hon. Femi Akintunde.