4 Key SDP Politicians El-Rufai Could Team Up With to Sack APC

Just recently, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, have left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. 

His resignation from the ruling party and defection to SDP on March 10, 2025, has caused waves in Nigerian politics. El-Rufai, known for his outspoken criticism of the APC, has expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership. As he joins the SDP, many are now wondering which key politicians from the party he could team up with to challenge the APC in the coming elections.

Here are the prominent SDP politicians who could align with El-Rufai to make a serious bid to remove the APC from power:

Solomon DalungSolomon Dalung is no stranger to Nigerian politics. A lawyer, academic, and former Minister of Youth and Sports from 2015 to 2019, Dalung has a long history of public service. 

After serving as the chairman of Langtang South local government and in various roles within the Nigerian Prisons Service and the University of Jos, Dalung switched to the SDP in 2022, ahead of the 2023 elections. Although he did not win his seat in the House of Representatives, Dalung remains a strong critic of the APC government. 

His vocal opposition to the APC, along with his experience in leadership roles, makes him a strong ally for El-Rufai as they work together to dismantle the APC’s hold on power.

Shehu Musa GabamShehu Musa Gabam is another key figure in the SDP who could join forces with El-Rufai. Gabam, who is currently the national chairman of the SDP, is a trained political scientist. 

He holds both a degree from the University of Abuja and a master’s degree in international affairs from the Nigerian Defence Academy. Gabam’s experience in the political arena, combined with his leadership role within the SDP, gives him the potential to play a key part in organizing and mobilizing the party’s efforts to challenge the APC. 

His deep political knowledge and leadership skills could prove invaluable in this pursuit.

Murtala AjakaMurtala Ajaka, the SDP’s candidate in the Kogi State governorship election of November 2023, is another politician who could join El-Rufai in the fight against the APC. Although Ajaka came second in the race behind Usman Ododo of the APC, his strong performance and the support he garnered show that he has a solid base. 

Ajaka’s experience running for office, combined with his loyalty to the SDP, makes him a valuable player in El-Rufai’s efforts to weaken the APC’s grip on power, especially in the crucial state elections.

Adewole AdebayoAdewole Adebayo, a prominent public affairs commentator and media entrepreneur from Ondo State, ran for president under the SDP in the 2023 elections. Although he did not win, Adebayo’s influence and determination to make a difference in Nigeria’s political landscape remain strong. 

His focus has now shifted to the 2027 elections, and he is likely to continue playing an important role in the SDP’s strategy. Adebayo’s media presence and his ability to speak directly to the people could be a significant asset as El-Rufai works to build a broad coalition to take on the APC.