In a significant political shift, former associates of Nasir El-Rufai, the ex-Governor of Kaduna State, have announced their return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) while firmly rejecting accusations of betrayal. This announcement was made by the Kaduna De-Initiative, a coalition of former political allies, including Mukhtar Isa Hazo, the former Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The group emphasized that it was El-Rufai who had strayed from the political agreements that initially united them, claiming that their support for him during his tenure was unwavering until recent disagreements arose. They cited feelings of marginalization and a breakdown of trust as key factors leading to their estrangement from the former governor.

The Kaduna De-Initiative stated that they had played a crucial role in building political structures throughout the state, asserting, "We did not abandon El-Rufai; rather, we believe El-Rufai abandoned the political understanding that had bound us together." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among the group regarding the alleged increasing influence of El-Rufai's family members in political decision-making, which they believe undermined the collaborative spirit that once characterized their alliance.

The former allies traced the roots of their discontent back to El-Rufai's second term, claiming that as his administration progressed, many of his associates felt increasingly sidelined. They pointed to the 2023 elections as a turning point, where the dynamics shifted further, culminating in a rift exacerbated by El-Rufai’s support for Isa Ashiru, a political rival, during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primaries.

Ja’afaru Sani, a former commissioner and the group's preferred candidate for the upcoming 2027 governorship election, was reportedly undermined by El-Rufai’s decision to back Ashiru, who ultimately won the ADC candidacy. The group alleged that this decision was not only a betrayal of their political arrangement but also suggested ulterior motives, including potential appointments for El-Rufai's family members should the ADC win.

Despite the tensions, the group has made it clear that their return to the APC is not driven by animosity towards El-Rufai. They articulated their desire to reclaim their political agency, stating, "This is not about hatred. It is not about revenge. It is about taking responsibility for our political future and the future of those who have followed us." They have welcomed Governor Uba Sani’s reconciliation initiative as a pathway to restore their political influence and align their grassroots supporters with the APC.

The former allies have firmly stated their commitment to their political independence, asserting that loyalty in politics should not be viewed as an unending obligation. They are prepared to move forward without engaging in personal conflicts with El-Rufai, who has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 2026, amid ongoing investigations that have drawn public scrutiny.

As the political landscape in Kaduna continues to evolve, the return of El-Rufai's former allies to the APC could signal a reshaping of alliances and strategies leading up to the next gubernatorial election.