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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is facing a significant political setback after his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) failed to gain traction in the North-West region. Despite his efforts to rally opposition leaders and parties, El-Rufai's plans appear to be in limbo.
*Reasons Behind the Failure*
Several factors have contributed to El-Rufai's struggles:
- *Lack of Viable Alternative*: Many politicians in the North-West don't see the SDP led by El-Rufai as a viable alternative, making it hard for him to attract major players.
- *Perception of Insincerity*: There's a perception that El-Rufai's move to the SDP is not genuine, and that he's still connected to President Tinubu or plotting to fracture the opposition.
- *Trust Deficit*: The trust deficit among politicians is huge, making it challenging for El-Rufai to convince them to join his movement.
*El-Rufai's Efforts and Outcomes*
El-Rufai has made frantic efforts to win over governors in key North-Western states, including Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Kebbi. However, all his attempts have been fruitless. Some notable politicians who rejected his offer include:
- *Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki*: They not only rejected El-Rufai's offer but also joined the APC.
- *Governor of Nasarawa State*: El-Rufai's effort to woo the governor into joining the SDP movement ended in disappointment.
*Current Status of the SDP*
The SDP currently has only two members in the National Assembly:
- *Senator Godiya Akwashiki*: Representing Nasarawa North
- *Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru*: Representing Nassarawa Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency
*Possible Next Steps for El-Rufai*
El-Rufai's options appear limited, and he's growing increasingly frustrated. A possible next step could be:
- *Return to the PDP*: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently advised El-Rufai to return to the PDP, but El-Rufai is hesitant due to the party's internal crises.
- *Forge Ahead with the SDP*: El-Rufai could continue to push forward with the SDP, but this seems like a lonely crusade with diminishing returns.
*Conclusion*
El-Rufai's current predicament stems from his complicated past with President Tinubu and his controversial remarks during the 2023 general elections. His image is tainted, especially among Christian communities in the South, making it hard for him to gain acceptance. As of now, El-Rufai's political future remains uncertain ¹.
