by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
El-Rufai Accuses APC of Sabotage Attempts Within Opposition Parties
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is actively infiltrating opposition parties in a bid to create internal discord and weaken their structures.
In a recent interview, El-Rufai, who officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10, expressed concern that the APC might now turn its attention to disrupting his new party, following similar patterns allegedly used against the Labour Party, NNPP, and PDP.
“There has been an influx of new members into the SDP, which is encouraging,” he said. “But with that also comes the risk of infiltration. We expect the ruling party to try to plant disruptive elements within our ranks—as they’ve done in other opposition parties—to spark internal crises.”
El-Rufai described the SDP as a rising force in Nigerian politics, calling it a “beacon of hope” for citizens who have grown disillusioned with both the APC and PDP.
“Since joining the party, I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from Nigerians. It’s clear that many people are now searching for a credible alternative to the two major parties,” he stated.
He attributed this surge of optimism to the SDP’s historical legacy and the quality of individuals joining the party, suggesting that its growing appeal has made it a target for political sabotage.
To safeguard the party’s unity, El-Rufai said the SDP is taking proactive steps, including strict vetting processes for those aspiring to leadership positions.
“We’re working to maintain internal stability by carefully screening those placed in positions of authority. Due diligence is key to protecting the integrity of the SDP,” he added.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP has sparked renewed interest in the party as it positions itself as a viable third force ahead of future elections.