By Musa Baba Adamu
A former Kaduna State Governor and ex-All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Nasir El-Rufai, has voiced concerns that the ruling APC may attempt to destabilize the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he recently joined.
Peoples Daily reports that El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, officially defected to the SDP on March 10, citing the failure of both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Speaking in a recent interview, El-Rufai alleged that the APC has a pattern of infiltrating opposition parties to sow discord — a tactic he believes the ruling party may attempt within the SDP.
“So there has been an influx [of members], but as part of that influx, we also expect that the sitting government and ruling party will try to inject viruses into the party to create crisis — as it has done, or they have done, in the Labour Party, NNPP, and PDP,” he said.
El-Rufai emphasized that the SDP is becoming a beacon of hope for citizens disillusioned with Nigeria’s two dominant political parties.
“Since I joined the Social Democratic Party on 10 March, I have been gratified by the reception of Nigerians and love expressed for the party,” he noted.
“It seems clear to me that most Nigerians have lost hope in both the APC and PDP and are looking for a credible alternative.”
He attributed this growing confidence to the SDP’s legacy and the calibre of individuals recently joining its ranks.
El-Rufai added that the party has taken preventive steps to avoid internal crises by ensuring only credible individuals are placed in leadership roles.
“We’ve worked hard to prevent crisis in the party by being thorough and carrying out due diligence with regards to those that will be entrusted with the leadership of the SDP,” he said.
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