El-Rufai: My Allegiance Has Always Been to Nigeria, Not Individuals

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has reaffirmed that his loyalty has consistently been to Nigeria, rather than to specific individuals or political parties.

During a visit to Kano, where he met with Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai explained that his decision to align with the SDP was motivated by the desire to help establish a credible alternative to the existing political structures.

He described the SDP as a new platform free from the “godfatherism” and internal issues he believes have weakened both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Twelve years ago, we formed the APC and defeated an incumbent president. However, today’s realities call for a new approach. We are uniting frustrated Nigerians under the SDP, a party committed to fairness and true internal democracy,” he said.

El-Rufai dismissed claims that personal grievances were behind his recent political moves, insisting he has no personal ambitions left to fulfill.

“At 65, I could easily retire, but Nigeria is at a critical crossroads. My actions are about rescuing the nation, not pursuing personal goals,” he stated.

Speaking on leadership, the former governor, who had previously supported the idea of a power shift to the South, emphasized that the country’s current problems demand leadership based on merit, not on regional origin.

“Our problems are too serious for us to focus on ethnicity or region. What matters now is leadership that has the competence, vision, and ability to fix Nigeria,” he emphasized.

Regarding defections to the APC, El-Rufai said the SDP is concentrating on grassroots mobilisation rather than chasing prominent politicians.

“A governor only has one vote. Elections are decided by the people, not by politicians,” he remarked.

He also rejected the notion that the SDP’s influence was limited to certain areas, revealing that coalition-building efforts were underway nationwide, including in the southern parts of the country.

“We are expanding quietly across the South. Real nation-building happens at the grassroots, not through media drama,” he said.

Defending his previous criticisms of the APC, El-Rufai pointed out that he had always spoken up when policies negatively impacted Nigerians, even during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency.

“When policies hurt the people, I didn’t stay silent even when it was my party in power. My loyalty has always been to Nigeria, not individuals,” he declared.

El-Rufai also encouraged young Nigerians not to lose hope, urging them to join the effort to create a better future.

“Nigeria offered me opportunities despite losing my parents at the age of eight. We must not leave the country in the hands of corrupt politicians. It’s time to rebuild a nation where every child can dream and achieve,” he concluded.