Senator Babafemi Ojudu has written an open letter to Nasir el-Rufai, questioning his recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Ojudu expressed concern that el-Rufai’s move might be another instance of Nigeria’s politicians engaging in “perambulation” – constantly switching parties without a clear direction.

Ojudu reflected on their shared past, including his visits to el-Rufai in exile in Dubai and their collaboration on various political projects.

However, he emphasized that his letter was not about nostalgia or friendship but rather about the implications of el-Rufai’s actions on Nigeria’s political landscape.

The former senator criticized the lack of real political parties in Nigeria, describing the current players – APC, PDP, and SDP – as mere vehicles for power.

He argued that this absence of well-structured, purpose-driven political organizations leads to politicians defecting from one party to another without any clear principles or vision.

Ojudu urged el-Rufai to build a truly national political institution rather than simply owning a party. He cautioned that a party built on personal ambition would not last and that el-Rufai’s latest move would be a waste of time if it was not genuinely about the people and creating meaningful change.

The letter concluded with Ojudu referencing Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group, which was built around core objectives such as free education, accessible healthcare, and economic empowerment.

The ex-presidential adviser encouraged el-Rufai to take a cue from this example and build a party that would truly serve the Nigerian people.