The Presidency has dismissed Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP as a failed bid to challenge Tinubu in 2027. Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala and APC leaders downplayed his influence, calling it political theatrics. Analysts believe El-Rufai’s move won’t significantly impact Tinubu’s re-election chances.
The Presidency has downplayed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing it as a futile attempt to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Presidential Adviser on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, criticized El-Rufai’s move, labeling it an act of desperation rather than an ideological shift. “He is free to exercise his constitutional right, but we will expose the real motive behind his decision in the coming days,” Bwala stated.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also dismissed El-Rufai’s defection as inconsequential, arguing that his influence within the party had waned. The APC’s Kaduna State Secretary, Yahaya Baba-Pate, described El-Rufai’s departure as mere "political theatrics," asserting that the party remains strong and focused on securing victory for Tinubu in 2027.
Despite El-Rufai’s pledge to unite opposition forces against the APC, political analysts suggest that his defection may not pose a significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
