Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns El-Rufai’s Defection to SDP, Calls Him a “Political Leper”

A faction of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The group described his move as detrimental to the SDP and the Nigerian political landscape.  

In a statement released on Tuesday, the National Spokesperson of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, referred to El-Rufai as a “political leper” whose presence in the SDP symbolizes division and marginalization. “El-Rufai’s track record in office is one of persecution and discord,” the statement read. “His defection does not bring hope to the SDP but instead taints it with the same policies of exclusion that have harmed Nigeria for years.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo accused El-Rufai of overseeing an administration marred by violence and systemic discrimination against Igbo and Christian communities in Kaduna. According to the group, his tenure from 2015 to 2023 was characterized by targeted attacks, oppression, and insecurity, which disproportionately affected these communities.

“It is incumbent upon El-Rufai to seek public pardon for these egregious acts,” the statement continued. “He owes an apology not only to the Nigerian people but, more specifically, to the Christian leaders and Igbo communities who suffered disproportionately during his administration.”

The group also demanded transparency regarding the crisis in Southern Kaduna, where numerous killings occurred under El-Rufai’s leadership. Ohanaeze Ndigbo insisted that the former governor must address allegations of complicity and disclose his role in the violence. “It is no longer acceptable for him to remain silent on matters that inflicted lasting trauma on innocent lives,” the statement added.

Furthermore, the organization called on El-Rufai to publicly disavow his past remarks, particularly his controversial statements in 2023, which, according to Ohanaeze, promoted Islamic and Muslim political dominance. “Such declarations only deepen Nigeria’s divisions and threaten the fragile unity of our diverse communities,” it stated.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo warned that unless El-Rufai provides a “meaningful and detailed explanation” for his actions, he will continue to be seen as a liability to any political party he joins. The group emphasized that the SDP must carefully consider the implications of welcoming him into their ranks.

Addressing the broader political landscape, the organization cautioned against any attempt to sideline the Igbo community in the 2027 presidential elections. “We recognize the opposition coalition rallying around the SDP as a possible alternative to the ruling party,” the statement noted. “However, any political strategy that ignores an Igbo and Christian presidential candidate is fundamentally flawed and doomed to fail.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of power rotation between the North and South, stating that a Southern presidency must continue until at least 2031. “Nigeria cannot endure an eight-year Northern presidency under Buhari (2015-2023) only to dismiss the rights of the South moving forward,” the statement asserted. “Any such attempt will be met with strong resistance from a unified populace demanding justice and equity.”