El-Rufai's former aide leaves ADC, promises to rally support for APC

Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai's close ally and ex-Chief of Staff, Bashir Sa’idu, has switched from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is ready to mobilise thousands of his supporters for Governor Uba Sani ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Sa’idu, who was also the Commissioner for Finance under Mr El-Rufai, made this promise during a visit from the governor's Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs, Isa Lawal, at his home.

He stated that his move back to the APC was not just for himself. He brought a large network of supporters with him who will show their political strength in the upcoming elections.

Mr Sa’idu specifically vowed to deliver the 11 local government areas that make up the Zazzau Emirate to the APC.

"I will not boast about my capacity in other areas, but in the 11 local governments of Zazzau Emirate, we will show our strength, and no one has the kind of followers that we have," he said.

He also claimed that the APC would get more votes in Zaria Local Government Area than what former President Muhammadu Buhari received in previous elections.

Mr Sa’idu said his defection aimed to prove wrong those who thought he left the ADC alone. He mentioned Lere Local Government Area, where about 3,091 ADC members joined the APC. He added that there were groups of around 4,000 supporters in other local government areas.

The former Chief of Staff said he joined the APC with about 10,000 supporters, calling them loyal followers who believe in his political vision.

"We will prove that Allah has blessed us with supporters, and these people trust us politically. We have been meeting and planning how we will win elections," he said.

He also noted that his political network reaches beyond Zaria to Igabi and Kaduna South local government areas.

Mr Sa’idu admitted that his mobilization would not stop the state government from doing its political planning. He said his group could work with the government’s political structure or operate independently and meet at the polls.

This move by Mr Sa’idu is significant due to his long-standing relationship with Mr El-Rufai. They have known each other since their days at Barewa College, Zaria.

During Mr El-Rufai’s eight years as governor, Mr Sa’idu held key roles, including Commissioner for Finance and then Chief of Staff. He was also one of the notable figures who went with Mr El-Rufai from the APC to the ADC.

Earlier in September, Mr Sa’idu and other associates of El-Rufai announced their return to the APC, pledging support for Governor Uba Sani. Former commissioner Jafaru Sani confirmed that they were bringing back over 150,000 registered ADC members.

The group also includes former Kaduna North senator Abdu Kwari and other grassroots politicians linked to Mr El-Rufai before.

This development comes as Kaduna politicians realign themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. The political split followed the ADC governorship primary in May, where former House of Representatives member Isah Ashiru won with 86,113 votes.

Jafaru Sani, a former Commissioner for Education under Mr El-Rufai, came in second with 29,580 votes. He rejected the result, claiming there were irregularities.

The disputed primary increased tensions within Mr El-Rufai’s political circle, with reports of dissatisfaction among some of his loyalists about the outcome and ADC’s direction.

Mr Ashiru has since positioned himself as the ADC’s main challenger to Mr Uba Sani in the 2027 Kaduna governorship race.

Mr Sa’idu’s defection happened just before Mr El-Rufai spoke about the changing relationships around him. In a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” dated 23 September, the former governor expressed that some former friends and family members have stayed silent or distanced themselves during his current troubles.

He said these experiences made him rethink some relationships but he holds no grudges and seeks neither revenge nor retribution.

This timing adds new political weight to the return of former El-Rufai associates to the APC. For Mr Sa’idu, the immediate challenge is to turn his claimed grassroots network into actual votes.