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Thursday, May 7, 2026

El-Rufai’s son dumps APC, joins ADC

Mr El-Rufai said he would seek re-election on the ADC platform to continue representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

• May 7, 2026
Bello, son of a former Kaduna State
Bello, son of a former Kaduna State

Bello, son of a former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, has announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement on Thursday, the lawmaker said Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, announced his resignation letter from the APC during plenary of the lower legislative chamber.

“In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. A few hours ago, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas GCON, announced my letter of resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and my formal move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at plenary. I am now a member of the ADC,” he said.

He said he would seek re-election on the ADC platform to continue representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

“I am joined in this new chapter by our respected elder, Hon. Engr. Suleiman Richifa, representing Soba, and my dear brother, Hon. Umar Ajilo, representing Makarfi/Kudan, who both defected from their previous parties to the African Democratic Congress. Together, we are building a home for progressive, people‑focused service,” Mr El-Rufai added.

Mr El-Rufai said the decision was not taken lightly, adding that it was guided by courage, conviction, and the belief that the people deserve the very best.

“To the people of Kaduna North: our work continues, and it will not stop. We will never compromise on delivering quality representation. There is still so much to do,” he said.

He also announced plans for a primary healthcare initiative, including the supply of medical materials to selected facilities.

“We will be equipping Primary Health Care Centres with medical supplies,  starting with 1,000 syringes per PHC and other essential items. Phase I begins with two centres: Unguwar Sarki Ward and Badarawa/Malali Ward,” he said.

Recall that the lawmaker’s Father, Nasir El-Rufai, has been attending court sessions  over alleged misappropriation of funds during his tenure as governor and tapping of the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. 

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, granted Mr El-Rufai access to eye and dental treatment.

Mr El-Rufai quit the APC to team up with some politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors of Osun and Rivers states, Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi including a former Senate president, David Mark, to form the ADC in their desire to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. 

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