APC dismisses El-Rufai defection as “non-event,” warns SDP of “destruction”

The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has dismissed claims by the Social Democratic Party that it is worried about the defection of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his ex-commissioner, Ja’afaru Sani, to the SDP.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the APC Chairman, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd) and Secretary, Yahaya Baba-Pate, the party described the SDP’s claims as “vituperations of political non-starters” who have “demystified themselves by pushing their lucks too far.”

The party also warned that by accepting El-Rufai, the SDP has “sown the seed of its own destruction,” predicting that he would soon “throw a cat amongst the pigeons” within the party.

“Nasir El-Rufai’s motivation for leaving APC is self-interest. He is eager to extract a political ‘pound of flesh’ from those he holds responsible for his descent into the political wilderness,” the statement said.

The APC reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, the rule of law and due process, emphasising that it has been fostering an environment where all parties can thrive in Kaduna State.

The party also pointed out that, recently, many top politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party had defected to the APC.

“We believe that a vibrant and constructive opposition is vital to the strengthening and consolidation of democracy, as well as accelerating the pace of development.

“It is a known fact that Governor Uba Sani runs an all-inclusive, people-centred, and pro-poor administration.

“We received defectors from the National Assembly and the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The movement to our party from significant parties in Kaduna State has been overwhelming,” the statement read.

The APC added that the party had reached near saturation in the state and had no reason to worry about individuals “running from pillar to post in search of political relevance.”

“Rather than desperately searching for who to pull down, they should engage in soul-searching and atone for their past misdeeds. In so doing, they will have peace,” the statement concluded.

The APC’s remarks come in response to claims by the SDP that the ruling party is unsettled by El-Rufai’s defection and is allegedly attempting to suppress opposition figures.

However, the APC has dismissed these claims, insisting that it remains focused on governance and will not be distracted by political “non-starters.”