Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i, has disclosed that he dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with former President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval. El-Rufa’I confirmed his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a statement he posted on his official Facebook page on Monday.
The former Governor noted that it has become clearer to him that in the last two years those who are charged with control and running the affairs of the ruling party to acknowledge that the APC ship was visibly heading to the rock bottom.
Responding to an interview with BBC Hausa service, El-Rufa’i said he had secured the consent of Muhammadu Buhari before dumping the APC for SDP.
The former FCT minister said, “I left the APC with his full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party, because I involve and consult with him on all my matters.”
He recalled how, during his stint as governor, submitted the list of his commissioner-nominees to Buhari to screen them and see if there was anyone among them who once insulted him (Buhari).
“After going through the list, he nodded his approval and offered prayers. I consult with him in all I do,” he added.
When asked if he had any political godfather, El-Rufa’i responded, “I have those I consult with in everything I do. I inform them of anything I intend to do, and when they demand that I keep off, I do. My first godfather is Muhammadu Buhari. For the rest, I will not mention them because if I do, they’ll be pressured.”
However, on whether he had regretted supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, El-Rufa’i said, “I haven’t regretted it, but I have been taken by surprise. But why I don’t regret supporting him is, some Yoruba leaders from the South West had visited Kaduna and informed me that the Muslims of their region were being politically marginalized. That was the first reason I supported Tinubu.
“The second reason is this: We agreed that the 2023 presidential seat would be zoned to the Southern part of the Nigeria for fairness, balance and justice in the country” El-Rufa’I concluded.
