Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai denies plans to join the PDP, stating he remains in APC but may explore other political options if the party fails to reform. He clarifies recent meetings with opposition figures were not defections but part of his broader political engagements.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculations about defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating he has no interest in joining the party. However, he acknowledged that he could consider other political platforms if the All Progressives Congress (APC) fails to uphold its founding principles.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai clarified that his recent meetings with opposition politicians were not signs of a defection. According to him, engaging with leaders from different parties is part of his role as a political figure, and such interactions should not be misinterpreted.
"I have friends in different political parties, and meeting with them does not mean I am leaving the APC," he explained. "Some people have even falsely claimed that I have obtained a PDP membership card in my ward, which is completely untrue."
El-Rufai also addressed reports linking him to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following a visit to its national headquarters. He dismissed the rumors, emphasizing that he remains committed to the APC for now but will not ignore the party’s shortcomings.
"If the APC does not realign with the ideals we started with, I cannot say where I will end up," he admitted. "But I can tell you one thing for certain—PDP is not an option for me, now or in the future."
Despite his dissatisfaction with APC’s current state, El-Rufai reiterated that he will continue to engage with politicians from various parties, emphasizing that leadership requires keeping open communication across political lines. However, he maintained that any future decisions about his political career would be guided by the direction of the APC and its ability to address internal challenges.
