Rep. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai resigned from the All Progressives Congress on Thursday to join the African Democratic Congress [1].
The move signals a significant political realignment in Kaduna North as the representative seeks to align his candidacy with that of his father, former governor Nasir El-Rufai [1].
El-Rufai's resignation letter was read on the floor of the House of Representatives, where he said he intends to seek re-election to the House under the ADC banner [1]. He previously won the Kaduna North seat under the APC platform in 2023 [1].
This departure is part of a broader trend of political movement within the legislature. Five lawmakers, including El-Rufai, have recently defected from the APC and the People's Democratic Party to join the ADC and the National Democratic Congress [2].
These shifts come as political actors begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections [2]. The move allows El-Rufai to maintain his political trajectory while distancing himself from the current ruling party structure in favor of his father's new political home [1].
“Mohammed Bello El-Rufai resigned from the All Progressives Congress on Thursday”
The defection of Mohammed Bello El-Rufai highlights the influence of dynastic political ties in Nigerian regional politics. By moving to the ADC, El-Rufai is prioritizing family alignment over party loyalty, suggesting that individual and familial networks may outweigh party platforms as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
