Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has explained his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), saying Nigeria urgently needs a credible political alternative free from godfatherism and internal dysfunction.

Speaking to journalists in Kano on Monday, El-Rufai said his move was driven by the desire to help build a viable, grassroots political platform capable of addressing the country’s deepening challenges.

“Nigeria is facing an existential crisis. What we need now is not personal ambition, but a united effort to rescue the nation,” he said.

El-Rufai, who was in Kano to visit the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and meet with SDP leaders, described the state as vital to any serious political movement due to its consistently high voter turnout.

“After joining the SDP, it was important to come and engage with key stakeholders in Kano. This is a critical state for national politics,” he stated.

On why he left the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped establish, El-Rufai said the political landscape had shifted dramatically since 2013.

“Twelve years ago, we merged three major parties to defeat an incumbent. Today, that mission has changed. We’re now uniting disillusioned Nigerians across party lines under the SDP, which offers a clean break from the old order,” he explained.

He argued that the SDP stands out as a party not under the control of any individual and one that prioritises internal democracy.

“We’ve seen how godfatherism destroyed the PDP and is now wrecking the APC. Nigerians deserve a political home built on fairness, accountability, and equal opportunity,” he said.

Responding to suggestions that his move was driven by political frustration, El-Rufai dismissed the idea, insisting he has no further personal ambition.

“I’m 65. I’ve served Nigeria as minister and governor. I could retire comfortably. But I can’t turn my back while the country faces collapse. This isn’t about me — it’s about Nigeria’s future,” he declared.

Addressing the ongoing debate about rotational presidency, El-Rufai said leadership should now be based on competence, not geography.

“Our challenges are too grave to focus on where the next president comes from. What we need is vision, capacity, and courage,” he asserted.

He also downplayed the wave of political defections to the ruling APC, saying genuine change will come from ordinary Nigerians.

“A governor has just one vote. Elections are not won by elite endorsements but by the people. Our focus is on mobilising grassroots support, not chasing big names,” he said.

On perceptions that the SDP is a northern-dominated platform, El-Rufai clarified that the movement is national in scope.

“Because we’re in Kano, the energy may seem northern. But I’ve been consulting with leaders in Lagos, Anambra, and the South-South. Nation-building happens quietly, not through media drama. The results will speak for themselves,” he noted.

El-Rufai also confirmed ongoing coalition talks with five major political groups to form a strong opposition bloc under the SDP.

“It’s part of a broader national movement for disillusioned Nigerians. We’re making steady progress. In Kaduna, we had to move quickly because our base needed an immediate political platform,” he said.

Defending his criticisms of the APC, El-Rufai reiterated that his loyalty lies with the Nigerian people, not any party or individual.

“When things began to go wrong under President Buhari, I wrote to him directly. When the naira redesign policy hurt Nigerians, I challenged it in court. I’ve always put Nigeria first,” he said.

He concluded by urging young Nigerians not to give up on the country, encouraging them to take ownership of the political process.

“Nigeria gave me everything, even though I lost my parents at age eight. Every child deserves the same chance. If you’re angry or frustrated, don’t walk away, get involved. We must not abandon Nigeria to corrupt elites,” he charged.