Former Kaduna governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on Thursday formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending a short spell with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and signalling a new phase in his political plans ahead of 2027.
El-Rufai handed in a resignation letter to the SDP dated 26 November 2025 and collected his ADC membership card at the party office in Ungwan Sarki ward.
Party officials said he was given membership number 000002, a symbolic welcome that marked his formal switch.
The former minister and outspoken APC figure said he opted for the ADC after talks with the SDP “failed to agree to the terms and conditions of the opposition coalition leadership,” according to people close to the negotiations.
He told supporters the move is part of a wider plan to build a stronger opposition platform and to try to dislodge the ruling party in Kaduna State.
El-Rufai, who left the APC earlier this year and briefly joined the SDP in March, said the ADC’s constitution and promises on ethics and youth participation appealed to him.
ADC leaders welcomed him and pledged to work with him as they prepare for local and national contests.
Nigerians expect El-Rufai’s move to reshape opposition talks ahead of 2027, especially in the North-West, where he has influence.
