Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has downplayed the significance of high-profile political defections in Nigeria, calling them “overhyped” and devoid of real electoral impact.
Speaking in Kano, El-Rufai emphasized that political power ultimately resides with the people, not with influential politicians or party godfathers.
“These defections make for flashy headlines, but on the ground, they mean little if you lack the support of the people,” he stated. “Politics should be about the people, not about godfathers or so-called high-profile figures.”
El-Rufai argued that even the collective defection of all governors would not sway the will of the electorate. “A governor has one vote, just like any other Nigerian. If the people reject you, it’s game over,” he said, citing examples of election outcomes where governors failed to deliver their states.
Explaining his recent move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai described it as a step toward offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He criticized both parties for being dominated by vested interests and internal conflicts.
“The SDP represents a fresh start — a new brand of politics with fresh faces and innovative governance,” he said, stressing the importance of avoiding godfatherism within the party. “We’re building a party that belongs to no one, where every aspirant has a fair chance.”
El-Rufai also revealed plans to strengthen the SDP’s grassroots presence, including a target to register three million voters in Kano State. “Our focus is on empowering the people and building from the grassroots up,” he concluded.
