Abuja, Nigeria – The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has described former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as an asset with a proven track record of exemplary public service, following his recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Adebayo commended El-Rufai’s intellectual sagacity and dedication to public service while acknowledging that the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has certain weaknesses to address.
“The issue is that I see him as an asset, as a hard-working person, and he has a verifiable and measurable track record of public performance,” Adebayo said. “What I believe is that he has his weaknesses which he needs to work on, but I am not his mentor or therapist.”
Adebayo noted that while El-Rufai has had controversial moments in public discourse, Nigerians would ultimately assess him based on his contributions to governance. “Overall, Nigerians will say: ‘Here is a very good public servant,’” he added.
El-Rufai, a prominent northern political figure, announced his defection to the SDP on Monday, March 10, 2025, citing the APC’s departure from the ideals of its founding fathers. Having played a key role in the 2013 merger that formed the APC, he expressed disappointment in the ruling party’s direction.
Adebayo welcomed El-Rufai into the SDP, stating that patriots exist in all political circles. However, he criticized the APC, calling it a party of lousy people with the overriding goal of state capture.
El-Rufai’s defection is expected to shake up Nigeria’s political landscape, as the former Kaduna governor remains an influential figure in northern politics. His next moves within the SDP will be closely watched as the 2027 general elections approach.
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