Kaduna APC women leader slams El-Rufai for defecting to SDP

The Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Maryam Suleiman, has lashed out at former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as a wrong political calculation.

Maryam, who was earlier suspended from the APC for making critical comments against Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, expressed regret for what she had said as she apologised to the governor.

Describing her comments as a childish outburst, the APC women leader described Sani as a compassionate leader.

In an interview with newsmen on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Maryam, an ally of El-Rufai, said she didn’t know of the issues that were at stake when she criticised Sani, “but having realised my mistake, I have apologised to him.”

She added: “I told him that I acted out of childishness and I didn’t really understood the issues at stake.

“Everyone knows that I am a diligent party person. I have realised my mistakes and I promise to make amends.”

Maryam, who was formerly called Maryam ‘Mai Rusau’, an epithet that aligned her with El-Rufai, now calls herself Maryam ‘Mai Ginau’ in alliance with Sani’s transformative agenda in Kaduna State.

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Maryam said El-Rufai’s administration made a lot of mistakes, especially in the demolition of markets and sacking of primary school teachers.

She stated: “People really complained about those policies and victims were short changed. Some of those who were affected have lost their lives. The sources of livelihood of some have crumbled.

“In contrast, Governor Uba Sani is humane. He is someone who likes to uplift people, even if he doesn’t know them. There is a world of difference between him and the former governor.”

Maryam further stated that she had known Sani before he became a senator, adding: “I first knew him before Malam Nasir El-Rufai. He is a kind-hearted man who is always looking for the welfare of the downtrodden.”

The APC chieftain said the SDP would not make any impact because “it is a toddler in the political scene which is largely unknown.”

“I will not defect to the party because I’m a bonafide APC member,” she added.

The Star