The Social Democratic Party (SDP) aims to enroll 3 million members in Kano State as part of its nationwide membership drive. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, a key party figure, shared this information during a media interaction in Kano on Monday.
“We intend to register three million members in Kano State. Whether the Governor joins us or not doesn’t concern me. I am confident that he is either with us or against us,” El-Rufai said.
El-Rufai emphasized the importance of Kano in any serious political formation, citing its consistently high voter turnout as a critical factor. “Kano is crucial to any serious political movement due to its consistently high voter turnout. After joining the SDP, it was vital to engage with local stakeholders here,” he added.
The former Kaduna State governor explained that his visit to Kano was to meet with Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and SDP leaders to discuss strategies for building a strong grassroots political movement in the state.
“We’re uniting dissatisfied individuals from various political backgrounds under one platform, the SDP, which we believe has the best foundation and potential,” El-Rufai stated.
He emphasized that the SDP offers a fresh opportunity, as it is not controlled by any single individual. “We have witnessed how godfatherism destroyed the PDP and is now damaging the APC. Nigerians deserve a party based on fairness, internal democracy, and equal opportunity. The SDP can provide that alternative,” he asserted.
When questioned about claims that his actions stemmed from frustration after being politically sidelined, El-Rufai refuted the suggestion, stating he no longer had personal ambitions.
“I am 65 years old. I have served Nigeria at the highest levels, as a minister and governor, and could simply retire. But I believe Nigeria is facing an existential crisis. This is about the nation’s survival, not personal gain,” he explained.
Regarding the wave of political defections, especially to the ruling APC, El-Rufa’i said he was unconcerned.
“A governor only has one vote. Elections are won by the people, not by politicians. Our focus is on mobilizing ordinary Nigerians, not chasing defections,” he concluded.
