El-Rufai Joins ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nasir El‑Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). On Thursday, he arrived at his ward accompanied by a large crowd of supporters to collect his party membership card. The ceremony took place at Ungwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna, where he was joined by former appointees and loyalists.

El‑Rufai’s switch to the ADC follows his recent departure from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections. His move is significant because of his considerable influence in Nigerian politics and his strong base in Kaduna State. The ADC has become a key platform for opposition figures, including former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar, who also registered as a member of the party.

The growing membership of the ADC, bolstered by high‑profile defections such as El‑Rufai’s, is expected to enhance the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections. Opposition leaders are seeking to unite under a single platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and the ADC’s expanding influence is likely to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.

With the elections still more than a year away, the stage is set for intense political maneuvering. El‑Rufai’s entry into the ADC is poised to have far‑reaching implications for the upcoming contest and for the broader dynamics of Nigerian politics.