SDP Targets 3 Million Members In Kano State, Says El-Rufa’i
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Social Democratic Party(SDP) says it wants to register 3 million members in Kano State as part of its nationwide registration of new members into party.
A prominent member of the party, Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i, disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen in Kano on Monday.
“We want to see the SDP registering three million members in Kano State. If we register three million members in Kano State, I don’t care if the Governor joins us or not. I know he is either with us or he is not, “El-Rufa’i said.
“Kano is critical to any serious political formation because of its consistently high voter turnout. After joining the SDP, it was important to come and engage with stakeholders here,” he said.
The immediate past governor of Kaduna State said he was in Kano to visit the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and to meet with SDP leaders to strategize on building a strong grassroots political movement in the state.
“We are bringing together disaffected members across political divides under an existing platform,the SDP,which we believe has the best pedigree and potential,” he said.
He said the SDP offers a fresh opportunity, being a platform not controlled by any individual.
“We have seen how godfatherism destroyed the PDP and is now wrecking the APC. Nigerians deserve a party built on fairness, internal democracy, and equal opportunity. The SDP can be that alternative,” he said.
Responding to claims that he was acting out of frustration after being politically sidelined, El-Rufai dismissed the suggestion, saying he has no personal ambition left to pursue.
“I am 65 years old. I have served Nigeria at the highest levels — minister, governor — and I could simply retire. But I believe Nigeria is facing an existential crisis. This is about the country’s survival, not personal gain,” he said.
On the wave of political defections across the country, mostly to the ruling APC, El-Rufai said he was not concerned.
“A governor only has one vote. Elections are won by the people, not by politicians. Our focus is on mobilizing ordinary Nigerians, not chasing high-profile defections,” he stated.