“He Is Coming”: El-Rufai’s Son Hints at Peter Obi Joining SDP After Father’s APC Exit

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has sparked speculation about Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi possibly joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The remark came in response to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a user who argued that the SDP would need an alliance with Obi to pose a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Bashir replied with a cryptic, “He is coming,” prompting widespread political speculation.

This comment follows the high-profile resignation of Nasir El-Rufai from the APC. The former governor, a founding member of the party and a key player in its victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, officially cut ties with the APC by submitting his resignation to his ward leadership in Kaduna State. In a statement dated March 10, 2025, El-Rufai criticized the current leadership of the APC, accusing it of straying from its founding progressive ideals and failing to address internal dysfunction.

El-Rufai expressed disillusionment with the party’s direction under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying his efforts to voice concern were repeatedly ignored. He emphasized his commitment to progressive policies during his time as governor, saying the current state of the APC no longer aligns with those values.

His departure is reportedly part of a broader shift, with several former APC figures believed to be in discussions to join the SDP. Among those rumored are former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, and other key figures from the Muhammadu Buhari administration. The political realignments suggest growing momentum around the SDP as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.