Mass defection hits APC following El-rufai’s resignation

Mass defection has hit the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Kaduna State following the resignation of the former governor, Nasir El-Rufai from the party.

Several resignation letters sighted by newsmen on Monday showed that party faithful believed to be supporters of El-Rufai are leaving the ruling party in droves.

This comes hours after El-Rufai made it public that he has defected to the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

In the same manner, former commissioners under El-Rufai tendered their resignations from the party.

Former Commissioner for Local Government, Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani and Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba have all submitted their resignation letters to the party’s respective wards chairmen on Monday.

The resignation of Sani reads in parts, “With the hatred and disdain shown to us by the leadership of the party we worked hard to nurture, it has become compelling to seek another platform in our desire to bring development and prosperity to our dear people.

“Consequently, after a deep retrospection, re-evaluation, and consultation with key stakeholders in Anchau, Kubau LGA, and Kaduna State, I write to inform you of my decision to withdraw my membership from the APC with immediate effect.

“As I move on, I remain grateful to you and to all members of the APC, as well as the electorates in the Ward, Kubau Local Government Area, and the State for the support rendered to me as Chairman of the APC Stakeholders, Kubau LGA. I recall with a feeling of fulfillment the unprecedented electoral victories the party recorded in previous general elections in the ward and the local government area. The historic feat will remain indelible in the history of party politics in the local government area.

“Accept the assurances of my regards at all times.

“Enclosed herewith is my temporary membership registration card for your Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani necessary action”.

Also, the letter from Hafsat Baba partly reads: “The Chairman may note that I came into the negotiations to form the APC as the incumbent, and hence, legacy National Woman Leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria. We joined the merger to entrench democratic order and justice to the political space in the country which was in dire need of a new political and governing direction.

“However, the party has lost its sense of direction and purpose and has deviated from its founding principles of justice, peace and unity. As an ardent proponent and follower of these principles, continued association with the party as it is currently constituted is against my principles (Aqida).

‘Further actions and political decisions will follow as myself and like-minds deem appropriate and as may keep us on our founding – and still extant- principles of Justice and Political order”.

However, reacting, Kaduna APC said it was not losing sleep over El-Rufai’s defection.