In what has become an all-too-familiar pattern in Nigerian politics, former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has defected from the ruling party to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
His announcement, made via a statement on his X handle, cited a growing misalignment between his values and the direction of the APC.
However, this raises the question: is this the usual storyline when political affiliations no longer meet personal ambitions, masquerading as a stand for the people’s interests?
The Same Old Script?
Political defections in Nigeria are hardly new. It has become common practice for politicians to jump ship when they perceive that their interests are no longer being served within a particular party.
Whether it is over internal conflicts, loss of influence, or the need to rebrand ahead of the next election cycle, history has shown that party loyalty in Nigerian politics is often fluid.
The narrative is usually the same: a disillusioned politician cites ideological differences, the betrayal of party principles, or the need to serve the people better as reasons for their departure. But, in reality, how often does this serve the electorate?
El-Rufai’s defection follows a pattern seen with many politicians who switch sides ahead of major elections.
The former Kaduna governor was a key figure in the formation of the APC, playing a crucial role in securing its victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
His decision to leave now, citing the APC’s failure to adhere to progressive principles, raises eyebrows. Why now? Why not sooner? Why wait until 2027 approaches before realizing the party’s “capricious trajectory”?
El-Rufai’s Justification
In his statement, El-Rufai lamented that the APC had strayed from the ideals its founders envisioned.
He noted that he had expressed his concerns both privately and publicly but found the party’s leadership unwilling to address them.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation,” he stated.
The former governor further claimed that he had consulted extensively with mentors, colleagues, and political loyalists before deciding to join the SDP in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
While his words suggest a noble pursuit of a platform that aligns with his values, one cannot ignore the strategic timing of this defection.
Is this really about principles, or is it about positioning for relevance in the next political dispensation?
Defections and the People’s Interest
Politicians often justify their defections as moves aimed at better serving the people. However, history suggests otherwise.
How many of these defectors have gone on to champion policies that genuinely improve governance or the lives of ordinary Nigerians?
The electorate has watched as defections are driven more by self-preservation, power struggles, and political survival rather than any ideological stand.
For instance, before the 2019 elections, several politicians defected from APC to PDP and vice versa, citing party dysfunction and a loss of ideological direction.
However, upon securing new political bases, many of them reverted to the same governance patterns that had frustrated the electorate in the first place.
What Next for El-Rufai and the SDP?
The SDP, historically a fringe party since its revival, is now being positioned as a viable alternative by El-Rufai.
While his entry into the party may bring increased visibility and credibility, will it translate into a true ideological shift, or is this merely another strategic move for political continuity?
The coming months will reveal whether El-Rufai’s defection leads to tangible political reforms or if it is just another episode in Nigeria’s long history of opportunistic party switching.
The Real Concern: Political Parties or Political Players?
If Nigerian political parties were ideologically grounded, defections would not be so commonplace.
The ease with which politicians switch parties highlights the absence of strong institutional frameworks within these platforms. When parties lack a clear ideology, governance is reduced to individual ambition rather than collective progress.
El-Rufai’s move underscores this reality. While he argues that he is seeking a party that aligns with his progressive ideals, the public remains skeptical.
Until politicians begin to prioritize the genuine welfare of the people over their political survival, defections will continue to be seen for what they often are—personal repositioning rather than national interest.
El-Rufai’s departure from the APC and his embrace of the SDP fit the recurring narrative of Nigerian political realignment.
The rhetoric of lost ideals and ideological betrayal may sound compelling, but the timing and execution raise fundamental questions about sincerity.
As Nigerians prepare for the 2027 elections, the focus should be on policies and governance, not just political maneuvering.
If defections were truly about the people, governance would improve with every switch. Instead, history has shown that the more things change, the more they remain the same.
