Confusion or Strategy?: How El-Rufai Campaigned for ADC, SDP Candidates in Kaduna By-Elections

The recently concluded by-elections in Kaduna State have stirred political debate following former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s unusual campaign moves. Rather than backing a single party, El-Rufai openly canvassed support for candidates from both the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a strategy that left analysts and voters divided.

In the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency race, El-Rufai campaigned vigorously for the ADC candidate, touring communities such as Kujama, Kasuwar Magani, Sabon Tasha, Television, and Nasarawa in Chikun Local Government. But in Zaria and Sabon Gari, he shifted support to the SDP, backing its candidates in the Zaria Kewaye and Basawa constituencies.

Despite his efforts, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in all three constituencies. The outcome has raised questions about the effectiveness of El-Rufai’s strategy, even as it underscored his attempt to demonstrate continued political influence in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, a central figure in the coalition of opposition leaders that adopted the ADC in June, has yet to formally sever ties with the SDP, which expelled him earlier this year. While the national leadership of the SDP insists he is no longer a member, the Kaduna chapter disputes the validity of his expulsion.

Close associates described his decision to campaign for different parties as tactical, aimed at balancing coalition unity with local realities. Coalition insiders explained that in Zaria and Sabon Gari, the SDP already had deeper grassroots structures, making it the stronger choice. “Honestly, in Zaria and Sabon Gari, the SDP has been deeply rooted long before the ADC was even known,” one insider said, noting that the SDP candidate eventually finished second behind the APC.

Others argued that in Chikun and Kajuru, the ADC was the more viable option. “That was why it was agreed to support the ADC candidate in those areas. In Zaria and Sabon Gari, it was the SDP candidate who was stronger, so ADC candidates had to blend with us there,” said another coalition member.

Supporters of the former governor said his real objective was to prove he could still mobilize crowds and campaign openly despite claims of declining relevance. They said the coalition would review the lessons of the by-elections as it prepares for the 2027 polls.

Reactions among voters were mixed. Some dismissed suggestions of confusion, saying both parties are within the coalition framework, while others within the ADC criticised the move, arguing it blurred party lines and weakened cohesion.