KEY POINTS

• El-Rufai holds that he will never become part of PDP while indicating interest in different political organizations.
• He rejects the notion of defection by arguing that usual gatherings are misunderstood as such movements.
• The politician warns APC must recapture its original mission or else its essential members will begin to leave.

Nasir El-Rufai the former governor of Kaduna State declared that he would not move to the Peoples Democratic Party yet he suggested he would consider another political party if All Progressives Congress (APC) remains unable to resolve its internal problems.

The former governor Nasir El-Rufai denied defection rumors during his appearance on Monday by debunking speculations about his recent political meetings.

Clarification on political meetings

During the media appearance El-Rufai formally denied joining either the PDP or the SDP after participating in leadership meetings from both parties. Such claims about his political figure interactions are based on false interpretations of his regular public relationship building.

My membership in the APC does not prohibit visits with PDP and SDP friends according to El-Rufai. Whenever I visit someone who does not belong to the APC people create false rumors that I am planning to leave the party.

During his visit to the SDP national headquarters he spent time with his brother Shehu Gabam and his friend who told others that he joined the SDP. Again, not true.”

Concerns over APC’s future

The former governor has stated that he will support the APC but will consider changing parties if it strays from its initial principles. He explicitly stated that the PDP Party remains closed to him as an option.

He would not know his future political destination unless the APC goes back to its original path. The former governor declares his complete opposition to joining PDP because he views the party as a permanent exclusion in his political future. From many years ago until now I continue to hold my decision. The party condition under PDP continues to deteriorate.

Keeping political doors open

Despite excluding the PDP from the political stage El-Rufai maintained an open position for future political networking possibilities. He plans to maintain his interactions with leaders from different parties and his work with young politicians while being active in national debates.

The decision to meet any person who requests it does not depend on their party alignment when voters petition to see me. According to his principles he makes it his responsibility to maintain meetings with all individuals.

El-Rufai’s recent comments suggest upcoming political changes in Nigeria’s electoral period.