- El-Rufai denies PDP defection, says meetings with politicians are misinterpreted.
- He insists APC must realign, or he may consider other parties.
- Rules out PDP forever, says it has worsened over time.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculation about his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that he has no plans to join the opposition party.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Speaking on Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai insisted that his recent meetings with politicians from other parties were being misinterpreted. He, however, hinted that his continued membership in the All Progressives Congress (APC) depends on the party’s ability to realign with its founding principles.
“It should be clear that being in the APC does not mean I cannot visit friends in other parties,” he said. “Anytime I meet with someone outside APC, people assume I am leaving. Two months ago, someone falsely claimed I had collected a PDP membership card in my ward.”
El-Rufai also dismissed rumors that his visit to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) headquarters indicated plans to defect. “When I visited my brother Shehu Gabam at the SDP headquarters, they said I had joined SDP. Again, not true,” he clarified.
Despite speculation about his political future, El-Rufai categorically ruled out joining the PDP. However, he acknowledged the possibility of exploring other political platforms if the APC fails to resolve its internal crises.
“I don’t know where I will end up if the APC does not return to its founding vision,” he said. “But one thing is certain—PDP is not an option. I ruled that out long ago, and nothing has changed.”
Regarding his recent meeting with PDP leaders in Kaduna, El-Rufai explained that as a public figure, he remains accessible to all political actors. “If people want to see me, I won’t refuse because they belong to a different party. It is my duty to mentor and guide young politicians across party lines,” he said.
While reaffirming his commitment to the APC, El-Rufai made it clear that if the party does not address its internal challenges, he may consider other political options.
“But PDP, no. Other parties, possibly, if APC does not sort itself out,” he concluded.
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