ABUJA, NIGERIA – In a significant shift in the Kaduna State political landscape, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the Member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, announced the defection during Thursday’s plenary session, confirming that the son of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
A Group Exit from Kaduna
Bello El-Rufai did not move alone. He was joined in the ADC by two other federal lawmakers from Kaduna State: Hon. Engr. Suleiman Richifa, representing Soba, and Hon. Umar Ajilo, representing Makarfi/Kudan. The lawmakers indicated that their move is aimed at building a “progressive, people-focused” platform ahead of the next election cycle.
Bello El-Rufai, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Banking Regulations, stated that his exit from the APC was a matter of conviction. He noted that as a “proud son of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” he remains committed to delivering quality representation and will seek re-election on the ADC ticket.
Wider House Realignment
The plenary session saw a broader wave of realignments beyond the Kaduna bloc. Hon. Joshua Obika, representing AMAC/Bwari (FCT), announced his resignation from the APC to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Hon. Kamilu Ado of Kano State moved from the ADC to the NDC.
Focus on Health Initiatives
Despite the change in party affiliation, Bello El-Rufai confirmed that his immediate legislative priorities remain unchanged. He announced the formation of an ad hoc committee to oversee a new Primary Health Care initiative in Kaduna North. The first phase of the project will focus on equipping health centres in the Unguwar Sarki and Badarawa/Malali wards with critical medical supplies, including 1,000 syringes per facility.
