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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Kaduna State Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Darius Kurah, has said it is only politicians who are not doing the right thinking that will underrate the political prowess of the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, saying that they must be jittery ahead of the 2027 general elections. El-Rufai who ditched the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) some months ago has pitched tent with the SDP, and has vowed to lead the coalition of political parties to unseat APC government in 2027.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, Kurah who was Special Assistant on Political Matters Zone 3 to El-Rufai, from 2018 t0 2022, when he was a governor as well as Council Secretary Kagarko Local Government Area from 2022-2024 added that there is likelihood that SDP would enter coalition with the ADC.
Do you think that your party SDP can win the governorship election in Kaduna State in 2027?
Absolutely. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is building strong grassroots support across Kaduna State. With the renewed energy and credible leadership within our fold, including experienced leaders like Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, we are confident of our chances. By the grace of God, with the people behind us and the right policies in place, the SDP is poised to win the 2027 governorship election in Kaduna.
It is like the ruling party, APC, is jittery both at federal and state levels over the membership of former governor Nasir El-Rufai in SDP. How powerful is El-Rufai politically to be relevant to your party?
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not just a former governor, he’s a strategic thinker and a political heavyweight with national recognition and proven administrative competence. His decision to join SDP is a huge boost to our party’s credibility and political capital. Naturally, his presence unsettles those who fear real change, because he brings with him a strong support base, national connections, and a bold reformist vision that aligns perfectly with the SDP’s progressive agenda.
Is SDP likely to join the coalition of African Democratic Congress (ADC)?
The SDP is open to working with like-minded parties and platforms that are committed to genuine national transformation, justice, and equity. While conversations around coalitions are ongoing, I can confirm that strategic alliances, including with the ADC, are being considered. Our goal is to unite forces for the good of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections. If a coalition will serve the interest of the people, we will not hesitate to be part of it.
What are the challenges of SDP in Kaduna State?
One of the most alarming challenges facing the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State today is the increasing abuse of state power by All Progressive Congress, APC’s administration, particularly the weaponization of security agencies to harass, intimidate, and silence opposition voices to expose a troubling trend that suggests a deliberate attempt to stifle dissent and erode democratic principles. This pattern of repression poses a grave threat to multiparty democracy in Kaduna. Instead of engaging with critics through dialogue or democratic contest, the party appears to be deploying law enforcement and intelligence agencies as tools for political witch-hunts. Such actions create an atmosphere of fear and discourage civic participation, undermining the confidence of SDP members and supporters in the fairness of the political process. Beyond individual persecution, the SDP faces systemic obstacles, including lack of access to public platforms, biased media coverage, and politically motivated barriers to organizing rallies or campaigns. These developments point to a broader erosion of democratic norms under APC leadership—where state institutions meant to serve all citizens are now being used to serve partisan interests. If unchecked, this trend could mark a dangerous regression into authoritarian governance, making it nearly impossible for opposition parties like the SDP to compete fairly or contribute meaningfully to governance in Kaduna State.
How true is it that El-Rufai has not been registered at the ward level of SDP in Kaduna State?
That is completely false. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is a fully registered member of the SDP at the ward level in Kaduna. His membership is not just symbolic it is official, active, and deeply rooted in the party’s ongoing grassroots mobilization. Any contrary claim is likely political propaganda aimed at undermining his growing influence and our party’s momentum.
