Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has downplayed the significance of high-profile political defections, asserting that such moves have little to no impact on electoral outcomes in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Kano State, El-Rufai, a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emphasized that real political power lies with the electorate—not with presidents, governors, or political godfathers.
According to El-Rufai, “The defection of prominent politicians is not what determines election results. These events may generate headlines and sell newspapers, but on the ground, they carry little political weight. If you don’t have the support of the people, your profile means nothing.”
He stressed the need to return power to the people, rejecting the influence of political elites in deciding electoral outcomes.
“A governor has only one vote. Nigerians have millions. If the people say no, it’s over. Even the president had a sitting governor and still lost Lagos. I was governor of Kaduna State and worked hard to deliver my state for the president, but I lost. Governors don’t determine elections — the people do,” El-Rufai stated.
His remarks come in the wake of the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Reports also suggest that more governors and lawmakers are considering similar moves.
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