The recently concluded by-elections in Kaduna State’s Chikun/Kajuru, Zaria Kewaye, and Basawa constituencies have sparked debate over former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s unusual campaign strategy.

His decision to canvass support for candidates from two different opposition parties, the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), left both analysts and voters divided.

El-Rufai campaigned for the ADC candidate in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal House of Representatives race, visiting communities such as Kujama, Kasuwar Magani, Sabon Tasha, Television, and Nasarawa in the Chikun Local Government Area. But in Zaria LGA, he campaigned for the SDP candidate for the Zaria Kewaye state constituency, as well as the party’s candidate for the Basawa constituency in Sabon Gari LGA.

The results, however, did not reflect the strategy behind his campaigns, as the candidates he backed in all three constituencies lost to those of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

El-Rufai, a key figure in the coalition of opposition leaders that formally adopted the ADC in June, has not officially resigned from the SDP, which he joined earlier this year after leaving the APC. Although the party’s national executives expelled him, the Kaduna chapter insists the expulsion holds no legal weight.

Close associates said his participation in Saturday’s by-election was tactical, aimed at maintaining coalition unity while reaffirming his political relevance. But the move also raised questions about voter clarity and the coalition’s long-term cohesion.

Coalition insiders said El-Rufai’s decision to support the SDP in Zaria and Sabon Gari was due to the party’s stronger grassroots base in those areas.

“Honestly, in Zaria and Sabon Gari, the SDP has been deeply rooted long before the ADC was even known,” one insider said.

“Many people had already advanced in campaigning for the SDP. Even when their candidate was absent, the structure was already very strong. Since the campaign had been ongoing for long, it was decided to support him because he was stronger.”

The results partly validated this reasoning, as the SDP candidate placed second.

“If you notice, SDP came second because it is stronger in Zaria. But don’t forget, both ADC and SDP are within the coalition,” the source added, despite the SDP national leadership’s insistence that it is not part of the alliance.

Another senior coalition member and ally of El-Rufai said the former governor also wanted to show he still commands influence in Kaduna, despite claims by government officials that he has lost relevance.

He explained that in Chikun and Kajuru, the ADC candidate was considered stronger and more acceptable, while the SDP lacked visibility. “That was why it was agreed to support the ADC candidate in Chikun and Kajuru. In Zaria and Sabon Gari, it was the SDP candidate who was stronger, so ADC candidates had to blend with us there,” she said.

The ally, who asked not to be named, added that El-Rufai’s immediate goal was achieved, which was to demonstrate his ability to campaign openly and mobilise large crowds. The coalition, he said, would now review its challenges and prepare for 2027.

Reactions among residents were mixed. Haruna Malam, a voter in Nasarawa, said he saw no confusion since both parties are part of the coalition.

“I think it is the same thing because when he went to Zaria and Sabon Gari, he supported the SDP candidate since it was said that he was stronger,” he said.

But an ADC leader in Kaduna, who declined to be named, criticised the approach. “Honestly, campaigning for two different parties confused voters, especially in Zaria and Sabon Gari. While in Chikun and Kajuru, he was campaigning for the SDP,” he said.

The divisions are not new. Earlier in August, the Kaduna chapter of the ADC raised concerns about disunity among coalition leaders and urged El-Rufai to formally align with the ADC. (Daily Trust)