El-Rufai ‘son, other Kaduna Reps dump APC for ADC

A fresh wave of political realignment has hit Kaduna State as three members of the House of Representatives formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling growing shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the defections during plenary after reading their resignation letters from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties.

Leading the move is Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who confirmed that he has officially joined the ADC and will seek re-election on the platform of the party.
Also joining the ADC are Suleiman Richifa and Umar Ajilo.

In a statement issued shortly after the announcement, Bello El-Rufai described the move as a carefully considered decision aimed at strengthening “progressive, people-focused service” to constituents.

“This decision was not taken lightly,” he stated, adding that he remained committed to delivering quality representation to the people of Kaduna North.

The lawmaker said the ADC would serve as a new political platform for advancing the interests of the people, stressing that the trio shared a common vision of responsive leadership and grassroots development.

Bello El-Rufai also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to healthcare delivery in his constituency, disclosing that plans were underway to inaugurate an ad hoc committee for a new Primary Health Care initiative unveiled last week.

According to him, the programme will focus on supplying medical consumables and essential equipment to Primary Health Care Centres across Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

He explained that the first phase of the intervention would commence in Unguwar Sarki Ward and Badarawa/Malali Ward, with an initial distribution of 1,000 syringes and other medical items to selected centres.

Political observers say the defections could reshape the political landscape in Kaduna State, particularly with Bello El-Rufai’s influence among young political supporters and loyalists of the former governor.

The development comes amid increasing political consultations and coalition talks among opposition figures across the country ahead of the next election cycle.

The ADC has recently intensified efforts to attract prominent political figures and elected officials, positioning itself as a growing alternative platform in Nigeria’s evolving political space.