Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), indicating a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 national elections. El-Rufai concluded his registration at the ADC office in Unguwar Sarki, Kaduna North, where he was greeted by key party leaders such as ADC Vice Chairman (North-West), Jafaru Sani, and National Membership Secretary, Senator Sadiq Yar'adua.
Speaking immediately after obtaining his card, the former governor declared, “I am now a bona fide member of the African Democratic Congress. This is my political home, and this is the platform on which we will rescue Kaduna State from incompetent leadership.”
According to party officials, El-Rufai received membership number 000002, while 000001 was assigned to the coalition's Vice National Chairman (North-West), who was the first to register under the new setup in Kaduna State.r El-Rufai stated that he elected to join the ADC when the Social Democratic Party (SDP) refused to adhere to the terms and conditions of the opposition coalition leadership, stating that the SDP's leadership was compromised.
He expressed gratitude to the organisers for arranging the event on short notice, saying, “I was informed at 6 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday) to be here at 4 o’clock, and I managed to get here.”
Following the Senate's dramatic rejection of his ministerial appointment, his transfer from the ruling APC to the ADC is his latest pivot, indicating a desire to remain a significant participant in the 2027 political landscape, most likely as a kingmaker or challenger.
The former governor claimed that the state government acted with "impunity and arrogance," and that the ADC-led coalition was prepared to give "a credible alternative that can restore the glory of Kaduna state."
