Former Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai has formally declared his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This marks a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr El-Rufai, previously a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), registered with the ADC on Thursday, November 27, at his Unguwar Sarki ward in Kaduna, where he was presented with his membership card.
He arrived with a large entourage, including political associates and former appointees from his tenure as governor.
Senior ADC officials, including the party’s Vice Chairperson for the North-West, Jafaru Sani, and National Membership Secretary, Sadiq Yar’adua, were also present.
Speaking at the registration ceremony, Mr El-Rufai disclosed that he settled for the ADC after talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) collapsed. “I’m a bona fide member of the African Democratic Congress.
The SDP would not agree to open up to the coalition leadership because the government has bribed and compromised some of the leaders.
However, the ADC agreed to the terms and conditions of the coalition leadership,” he said confidently.
He added that he was informed of the ceremony at short notice. “I was told at 6 p.m. yesterday to be here by 4 o’clock today, and I managed to get here,” he said
El-Rufai urged residents of Kaduna state to join the party as preparations for 2027 intensify. “I want to call on all citizens of Kaduna State, 18 years and above, to come out en masse and register with the African Democratic Congress,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the ADC-led coalition would replicate its 2015 electoral success, Premium times.
“By the grace of God, we are going to repeat what we did in 2015, when we got rid of the incompetent, thieving and corrupt PDP administration,” he alleged. El-Rufai received membership number 000002, while the coalition’s Vice National Chairman for the North-West received 000001, making them the first to register in the state.
ADC officials praised his decision to join the party, describing it as a boost to their political strength in the region. National Membership Secretary Sadiq Yar’adua said the former governor’s entry would “energise the coalition and strengthen the party’s structures ahead of the coming elections”. El-Rufai’s
