Former Governor of Kaduna State and a leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed the recent wave of high-profile political defections in Nigeria, stating that they have little influence on the outcome of elections. Speaking to journalists in Kano State, El-Rufai emphasized that real political power lies with the electorate, not with political leaders or godfathers.

He called for a shift back to grassroots politics, stressing that voters, not influential individuals, ultimately decide who wins or loses an election. According to him, the focus on defections is often overblown and mostly serves media interests rather than reflecting actual political impact on the ground.

El-Rufai pointed to his own experience during the last general elections, where despite serving as governor of Kaduna and working hard to secure victory for the president in his state, he still lost. He also referenced the president’s failure to win in Lagos, even with the backing of a sitting governor, as further evidence that political officeholders do not determine election outcomes.

He argued that the defection of any number of governors or politicians would not override the choice of the people. While defections may generate attention, he believes they are meaningless without genuine grassroots support.

His comments come amid reports of rising defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including those of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa. Additional lawmakers and governors are said to be considering a move to the APC as the 2027 elections draw closer.

El-Rufai concluded that elections in Nigeria should be shaped by the voices of the citizens, not by elite political maneuvers or the influence of high-ranking figures.