Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has downplayed the political significance of recent high-profile defections, insisting that electoral victories in Nigeria are determined by the people, not by governors, presidents, or political godfathers.

Speaking to journalists in Kano State, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chieftain stated that political movements by elite politicians have limited influence on grassroots voting outcomes.

“As far as I’m concerned, the defection of high-profile politicians is not the issue,” El-Rufai said.

“These defections are good for headlines and to sell newspapers, but politically on the ground, if you don’t have the people, your profile means nothing.”

READ ALSO: El-Rufai launch fresh attack on APC – charges opposition to unite ahead of 2027

His comments follow the defections 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 may soon follow.

El-Rufai emphasised that real political power lies with the electorate.

“We want to return politics to the people, not to godfathers or so-called high-profile politicians.

“A governor has only one vote. Nigerians have millions. If the people say no, it’s over,” he said.

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READ ALSO: El-Rufai finally breaks silence on APC betrayal

He pointed to his own experience as Kaduna State governor as evidence that incumbents don’t always carry the day.

“I fought hard to deliver the president in my state, but I lost,” he admitted. “Governors don’t determine election results — the people do.”

El-Rufai’s comments serve as a direct challenge to the assumption that political elite alignments automatically shift electoral outcomes, thereby reinforcing the SDP’s grassroots campaign message.

Niger State is on the brink of a political upheaval as Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba has vacated his official residence and is reportedly considering resigning from office, highlighting an intensifying rift with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

The move comes amid growing speculation about a breakdown in relations between the two top officials, both of whom were elected under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2023.

According to multiple insider accounts, tensions have simmered for months but escalated recently after a leaked recording allegedly captured Garba criticising the governor in a private conversation.

Sources close to the matter revealed that Governor Bago confronted his deputy after learning about complaints from Garba’s political allies concerning a controversial consensus list for the upcoming November 2025 local government elections.

“The governor called the deputy yesterday and told him he heard that his people were complaining about the consensus list, and warned him to be careful. That was what triggered the deputy’s move to vacate his official residence,” one insider said.

Deputy governor allegedly evacuates State House

A source close to the governor confirmed that Garba had removed personal belongings from both his office and residence, adding that the deputy governor was waiting for Bago’s return from Russia before formalising his resignation.

“It is true he wants to leave. We are trying to convince him to shelve the idea. The governor and the deputy had a good relationship before their election, but things deteriorated due to mutual suspicion and interference by others,” the source said.

The root of the conflict appears to stem from multiple points of friction, including the rejection of Garba’s preferred candidate, Babangida Wasa Kudo, for Shiroro Local Government Area.

In March, Governor Bago had declared that the APC would adopt a consensus model to select candidates, but Garba’s nominee was bypassed in favour of Isyaku Bawa.

The final list was signed by state APC chairman Aminu Musa Bobi and Adamu Gani, not Garba. Garba’s allies from Shiroro reportedly saw the move as a deliberate snub, further straining ties between the deputy and the governor.

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Gov Bago allegedly strips deputy of allocation

In addition to the political slight, Garba has allegedly faced reductions in his operational capacity. His office budget was slashed from ₦50 million to ₦20 million, and some of his responsibilities were reassigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff—reportedly a relative of the governor.

“He had a meeting with his aides from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday. He said he would no longer sleep in his official residence and ordered all aides to vacate. His belongings were moved out immediately,” another source said.

Several prominent figures, including Speaker of the State House of Assembly Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, Bosso LGA representative Hon. Gomna, and commissioners, visited Garba’s residence in an effort to dissuade him.

APC stalwart and union leader Awaisu Giwa Wana was seen in tears, pleading with him to reconsider. Despite these efforts, Garba relocated to his private residence.

Gov Bago’s aide denies fallout with deputy

However, officials have attempted to downplay the crisis. Governor Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, denied any fallout.

“I am not aware of any fallout between the governor and the deputy governor,” he said.

Garba’s spokesperson, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, also rejected the resignation rumours.

“As I speak with you, His Excellency the Deputy Governor has not resigned and cannot resign. I am in his official residence now, and he is also here,” she said.

Political observers suggest that this fallout may be part of a larger strategy to undermine Garba’s influence ahead of the 2031 governorship race, when it is expected that the Niger East Senatorial District—Garba’s stronghold—will produce the next governor.

Meanwhile, loyalists in Shiroro LGA are planning a protest today at the local government secretariat to express their dissatisfaction over what they view as the marginalisation of the deputy governor.

In a dramatic shake-up of Nigeria’s political landscape, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, former Vice Presidential candidate Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing with them the entire PDP structure in the state.

Describing the event as unprecedented, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a rally in Asaba, said the mass defection marks “the greatest political tsunami ever witnessed in Nigeria.”

“This is the first time in our political history that a governor has defected with his entire political structure—from ward to state level, including elected and appointed officers,” Shettima stated.

He praised Oborevwori’s move as a “bold step” and declared him the new leader of the APC in Delta State.

“You are not tenants in the party but co-owners. Together, we shall build a Nigeria of our dreams,” Shettima added, extending an open hand of welcome to the defectors.

APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje called the defection “historic and patriotic,” suggesting it would position Delta State for stronger national integration and development.

He was joined at the event by several APC heavyweights, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Governor Oborevwori said the oil-rich state could no longer afford to remain on the sidelines of national politics.

“This is not just a political shift; it is a patriotic movement in the best interest of our state,” he declared.

He pledged to reconcile any grievances among party members in order to maintain unity within the new APC family.

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Okowa breaks silence on defection to APC

Former Governor Okowa echoed similar sentiments, saying his decision to defect was driven by the state’s prolonged marginalisation at the national level despite being a key contributor to the country’s economy.

“We have played second fiddle for too long. This is the right step forward,” he said.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, underscoring the high political stakes of the momentous realignment.