Former Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai has revealed that his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was made with the knowledge and approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, March 12, El-Rufai explained that he always sought Buhari’s counsel before making major political moves.
“There are certain people that before I do any major thing or make any decision, I consult, and anything they ask me not to do, I don’t do, and former President Muhammadu Buhari is among them,” he said.
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He recalled meeting Buhari on a Friday to inform him of his plan to leave the APC. “I consulted Buhari before leaving the APC. I told him to pray for me and give me his blessings, which he did,” he added.
El-Rufai also shared how, during his tenure as governor, he sought Buhari’s approval on key appointments.
“Even when I was governor of Kaduna, before I appointed my commissioners, I took the list to Buhari for cross-checking to see if, from among them, someone ever insulted him,” he said. “He laughed, thanked me, and told me you can go ahead and appoint commissioners.”
His defection to the SDP was officially announced on Monday through a statement on his verified Facebook page.