The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement issued on Monday, the group described El-Rufai as a “political leper,” warning that his association with the SDP could be detrimental to the party.
The statement, signed by Ohanaeze’s Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, accused El-Rufai of presiding over a tenure marked by violence, persecution, and insecurity, particularly against the Igbo and Christian communities in Kaduna State.
The group insisted that the former governor must publicly seek forgiveness for his alleged role in the hardships faced by these groups during his administration from 2015 to 2023.
Part of the statement read: “For nearly a decade, El-Rufai’s administration was characterized by a pervasive atmosphere of violence and persecution affecting both the Igbo community and Christians in Kaduna.
“Under his governance from 2015 to 2023, these communities endured unspeakable hardships, including but not limited to targeted killings, systemic oppression, and a profound sense of insecurity. It is incumbent upon El-Rufai to seek public pardon for these egregious acts.
“He owes an apology not only to the Nigerian people but, more specifically, to the Christian leaders and Igbo communities who suffered disproportionately during his administration.
“Moreover, we demand that El-Rufai be transparent regarding the circumstances surrounding the spate of killings in Southern Kaduna throughout his governorship. It is no longer acceptable for him to remain reticent on matters that have inflicted lasting trauma on innocent lives.
“He must also publicly disavow his prior declarations—especially those made in 2023—wherein he proudly articulated an agenda centered around Islamic and Muslim political dominance.
“Such admissions serve to divide rather than unify, perpetuating a dangerous narrative that threatens the coexistence of Nigeria’s diverse communities.”
The organization further warned that El-Rufai’s continued silence on the issues would cement his status as a political liability to any party that aligns with him, including the SDP.
Beyond criticizing El-Rufai, Ohanaeze Ndigbo also issued a stern warning to political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group insisted that any opposition coalition that fails to field an Igbo and Christian presidential candidate would be “fundamentally flawed and doomed to fail.”
The statement rejected any political arrangement that places an Igbo politician as a mere running mate, stating that such a move would be “dead on arrival.”
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo affirms its commitment to the continuation of a Southern presidency until at least 2031,” the group declared.
It argued that after eight years of Northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023), it would be unacceptable to sideline the South in the next election cycle.
“We call upon Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and other political actors to recognize that their actions bear immense weight on the collective destiny of our nation. An inclusive and just governance approach is imperative for Nigeria’s future,” Ohanaeze stated.