Nasiru El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, revealed that he quit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with former President Muhammadu Buhari’s full knowledge and approval.
El-Rufai declared his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a statement posted on his verified Facebook
page on Monday, according to many media outlets.
He disclosed that he conferred with Buhari before taking the action in an interview with the BBC Hausa program on
Wednesday. He emphasized that he frequently sought the former president’s advice on political issues.
He said, “There are certain people that before I do any major thing or make any decision, I consult, and anything they
ask me not to do, I don’t do, and former President Muhammadu Buhari is among them.
“I consulted Buhari before leaving the APC. It was on a Friday when I went and met him. I hardly make any major
decision without consulting him. I told him to pray for me and give me his blessings, which he did.”
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El-Rufai cited times during his time as governor when he asked Buhari for his consent on important appointments,
such as sending his commissioner nominations for examination.
“Even when I was governor of Kaduna, before I appointed my commissioners, I took the list to Buhari for cross-
checking to see if, from among them, someone ever insulted him.
“He laughed, thanked me and told me you can go ahead and appoint commissioners.”
