El-Rufai Resigns from APC, Joins SDP Citing Leadership Concerns

Former Kaduna State Governor and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the ruling party, citing fundamental concerns over its leadership and direction. According to ThisDay Nigeria, El-Rufai announced his resignation in a statement released on Monday, expressing disappointment in the party’s deviation from its founding ideals.

El-Rufai criticized the APC leadership for sidelining key members and neglecting pressing internal issues, despite his repeated efforts to address these concerns both publicly and privately. He lamented the party’s drift away from progressive values and stated that recent developments confirmed a lack of willingness among those in control to acknowledge or rectify the situation.

“It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC would continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics,” he said. “However, developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party.”

El-Rufai played a crucial role in securing APC’s victories in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections. Reflecting on his tenure as Kaduna State Governor, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and investment attraction. However, he asserted that these principles have been abandoned by the APC.

“These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable,” he added.

Following extensive consultations with political associates, mentors, and supporters nationwide, El-Rufai announced his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he believes presents a more credible alternative for progressive governance. He further called on opposition leaders and political parties to unite under a single democratic front to challenge the APC in future elections.

“As a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027,” he declared.

El-Rufai’s departure adds to the growing list of prominent figures who have distanced themselves from the APC or voiced discontent with its leadership. His move to the SDP could signal a significant realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As El-Rufai embarks on a new political journey, the key question remains: will his defection trigger a mass exodus from the APC, or will the ruling party withstand yet another internal challenge? One thing is certain—his resignation has set the stage for a high-stakes political battle in the months and years ahead.

Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan in War of Words Over Senate Crisis, Sexual Harassment Allegation

Abuja – The Senate has been thrown into turmoil as the rift between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central escalates, following her suspension and allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President.

The controversy began two weeks ago during a heated plenary session, when Akpoti-Uduaghan objected to the relocation of her seat and declared she was not afraid of Akpabio. The tension deepened when the senator appeared on a live television program the following day, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. This led to her six-month suspension by the Senate, a decision widely condemned by rights groups and activists who demanded a fair hearing.

Akpabio: Natasha Fond of Traumatic, ‘Useless’ Allegations

At an event marking International Women’s Day, Akpabio dismissed the accusations, claiming that the Kogi lawmaker had a history of making baseless allegations. He suggested that her claims were linked to changes in her committee assignment and seat location.

“It was only yesterday I realised that all hell broke loose after a change of seat and committee,” Akpabio said. “This was said to have happened on December 8, 2023, a day before my birthday. From that time until now, neither I nor my wife, nor any Nigerian, nor even her husband heard anything about this issue until her committee was changed.”

He further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had falsely accused others in the past, bringing unnecessary trauma to those involved. “Do you even wonder about the trauma caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations?” he added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan Fights Back

Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected Akpabio’s claims and insisted on a formal investigation. Through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, she pointed out that a similar allegation of sexual harassment had previously been made against Akpabio by former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director, Joy Nunieh.

“If Akpabio is innocent, why are there two allegations of sexual harassment against him?” Giwa questioned. “Akpabio should subject himself to an investigation instead of dismissing these claims.”

Giwa also alleged that the Senate President was manipulating legislative processes to avoid scrutiny and victimising Akpoti-Uduaghan for rejecting his advances. “Is it true that Natasha has been prevented from participating in international engagements involving senators? Is it true that she has been forced to use her funds for official trips while others have their expenses covered? These are hard facts that need to be addressed,” he said.

Despite pressure, Giwa maintained that his client would not back down from her legal battle against Akpabio. He confirmed that stakeholders, including Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Suleiman, were working to mediate the conflict, with a meeting scheduled for next week.

Senate Justifies Suspension

Amid the controversy, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was unrelated to her allegations against Akpabio but rather due to “gross misconduct.”

Bamidele stated, “If Senator Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution.”

He outlined the reasons for her suspension, which include:

1. Refusing to sit in her assigned seat despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and senior senators.
2. Speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer, violating parliamentary procedures.
3. Engaging in disruptive behavior that obstructed Senate proceedings.
4. Making disrespectful remarks against the Senate leadership.
5. Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

Bamidele urged the public to disregard false reports and avoid spreading politically motivated narratives about the suspension.

What’s Next?

With tensions still high, all eyes remain on the Senate and the potential outcome of a formal investigation into Akpabio’s conduct. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to push for justice, while Akpabio seeks to defend his reputation. The upcoming mediation meeting with the Women Affairs Minister may play a crucial role in determining the next steps in this political drama.