SDP

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nasarawa West Senator Aliyu Wadada has announced his decision to leave the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as the reason for his exit.

Wadada, in a recent interview, stated that although he respects El-Rufai as an elder, he cannot remain in the same party with him due to differing political principles.

He criticized El-Rufai for abandoning the All Progressives Congress (APC) after failing to secure a ministerial appointment under President Bola Tinubu.

“El-Rufai championed power shift to the South and supported Tinubu’s presidency, yet he left the APC for the SDP simply because he wasn’t made a minister,” Wadada said.

He described the move as self-serving and contrary to collective national interest.

On Nigeria’s economy, Wadada acknowledged hardships caused by fuel subsidy removal but noted that funds previously lost to corruption are now being channeled to states for development.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi

As the wave of politicians leaving various political parties, especially the ruling party, to join the SDP gains momentum, remember that not everything that glitters is gold.

During the buildup to the 2015 general elections, some politicians capitalized on the failures of the PDP administration at that time. They formed what is now known as the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision we all regret in unison. 

As observers, and considering the caliber and number of individuals joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), I must confess that the county’s political landscape leading up to 2027 will be fascinating in the days, months, and years ahead. 

Before then, we should not fold our arms while watching the gullibility of our people and how it has led us to where theAPC administration has brought us today. It is crucial that we examine the actors involved in this process of decamping, reminding ourselves not to be swept away by the razzmatazz of this drama and to avoid making another unforgivable mistake, as not all that glitters is gold. 

We should be very observant of who joined SDP from our states and from which political party. What are their contributions to the development of the state? Are they relevant to the party they left? Are they capable of changing the narratives in the scheme of things, or is it just to make headlines? 

While they have the right to make whatever political decisions regarding 2027, we shouldn’t be naive enough to believe that the ongoing alignments and realignments are unrelated to us. Remember the pervasive nature of politics.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi wrote from Bauchi State via makwalla82@gmail.com.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially parted ways with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pitched his tent with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

While party defections are common in Nigerian politics, El-Rufai’s departure from the ruling party carries significant political implications that could alter the dynamics leading up to the 2027 elections.

For a man instrumental in the formation of the APC and a staunch ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, El-Rufai’s departure raises critical questions. Is this a strategic move to remain politically relevant? A protest against President Bola Tinubu’s leadership? Or does it signal widening cracks within the APC that could deepen in the coming years?

El-Rufai’s political journey within the APC has been marked by loyalty, controversy, and influence. As a key figure in the party’s 2015 victory over the PDP, he was regarded as one of the strongest voices in Buhari’s inner circle.

His tenure as Kaduna governor further solidified his image as a reformist, albeit one who often courted controversy. From restructuring Kaduna’s civil service to his hardline stance on security issues, El-Rufai commanded attention. Under Buhari, he wielded significant influence, not just within Kaduna but on the national stage.

Many expected him to secure a prominent role in Tinubu’s government. However, cracks began to show when he was dropped from the ministerial list, allegedly over security concerns flagged by the National Security Adviser.

El-Rufai’s departure from the APC is not a hasty decision; it represents the culmination of increasing frustration. His rejection as a minister was perceived by many as a calculated marginalization, signaling the start of his estrangement from the ruling party’s core decision-making processes. 

Reports suggest he became increasingly disillusioned with Tinubu’s governance style, particularly in handling economic and security challenges. The former governor is known for his bluntness, and sources indicate that his inability to influence policies within the APC played a significant role in his decision.

While his supporters argue that his move to the SDP is based on principle, critics suggest it is driven by personal ambition—positioning himself for a possible political comeback in 2027.

El-Rufai’s choice of the SDP, rather than the PDP or a new political movement, is intriguing. The SDP remains a relatively small force compared to the APC and PDP, raising questions about whether he genuinely believes in the party’s ideology or sees it as a convenient platform to negotiate his future.

Some analysts believe El-Rufai is playing the long game—joining a smaller party now to avoid confrontations with APC heavyweights while testing the waters for potential alliances with other opposition figures ahead of 2027. Others argue that he has limited options, given his strained relationship with Tinubu’s camp and his unlikelihood of returning to the PDP, a party he once fiercely opposed.

Expectedly, the APC has brushed off El-Rufai’s departure, with the Presidency dismissing it as driven by “inordinate ambition.” Kaduna’s APC leadership has also claimed they are unbothered, arguing that his influence has waned significantly since leaving office. 

However, political observers note that El-Rufai’s defection could have ripple effects. While he may not command a nationwide political structure, his ability to shape narratives, especially in northern politics, should not be underestimated. Some opposition figures, including former Senator Shehu Sani, have downplayed his move, arguing that El-Rufai’s political relevance has diminished.

El-Rufai’s defection is not just about one man leaving a party—it reflects deeper tensions within the APC. Since taking power in 2023, Tinubu has had to balance competing interests within the ruling party, from former Buhari loyalists to his own political allies. The cracks within the party are becoming more visible, and if not managed properly, they could deepen before 2027.

For El-Rufai, the road ahead is uncertain. Aligning with the SDP may be a strategic step, but it remains to be seen whether it will translate into real political leverage. Is this the beginning of a broader coalition to challenge APC dominance, or will it end up as another failed defection story in Nigeria’s political history?

One thing is clear—El-Rufai’s move has reignited conversations about Nigeria’s shifting political landscape. Whether it leads to a major realignment or fizzles out as an individual protest remains to be seen.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, an NYSC serving corps member, writes from the Center for Crisis Communication (CCC) in Abuja.

By Uzair Adam 

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has dismissed an invitation from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging opposition politicians to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).  

El-Rufai, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP, made the appeal in an interview with BBC Hausa, inviting prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join him in the party.  

Responding in a separate BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Lamido described El-Rufai’s call as an insult, emphasizing that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was instrumental in shaping the former Kaduna governor’s political career.  

“The party we built, the PDP, is what gave birth to El-Rufai. He is not in a position to make us abandon it,” Lamido said.  

He also criticized El-Rufai’s leadership approach, questioning his sudden shift to the SDP after years in the APC.  

“Leadership requires patience, vision, and commitment to the peace and stability of the country. It should not be driven by anger or personal interests,” he added.  

Reaffirming his allegiance to the PDP, Lamido stated that he had no reason to leave the party, saying, “If I wanted to leave, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed.”  

He advised El-Rufai to prioritize national interest over political grievances, stressing that the PDP remains focused on rebuilding its strength after losing the 2015 presidential election.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has revealed that he has been threatened and his security detail withdrawn without justification.

He made this known in a statement to journalists on Sunday night.

Gabam stated, “We must uphold justice, truth, and human rights in our democracy. Unfortunately, injustice continues to be meted out to some citizens, including myself, for exercising our constitutional rights. Despite following due process, my security detail was withdrawn without any valid reason.”

He described the move as an attempt to intimidate opposition members and silence government critics. Gabam noted that past opposition leaders, including the current president, were not subjected to such threats and intimidation.

He reiterated the need to ensure that every citizen’s rights and freedoms are respected without fear.

Gabam also stated the case of Raye, a young woman serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who is allegedly being intimidated. He called on the NYSC to address her case with fairness and truth, without threats.

He urged unity in building a society that respects the freedom of every citizen, regardless of their political views.

By Anwar Usman

Former Jigawa State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sule Lamido, has rejected a call by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, calling on opposition leaders to join the Social Democratic Party.

El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress to the SDP, made the call in an interview with BBC Hausa.

Though he did not mention Lamido by name, he urged key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join him in the SDP.

While responding in a separate BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, Lamido rejected the invitation as an insult, insisting that the PDP, which he helped build, laid the foundation for El-Rufai’s political career.

Lamido was quoted saying “The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai.

“You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP,” Lamido said.

He added that, “He once said that there are no adults in Nigeria in politics, but now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP.”

The former governor also questioned the motives behind El-Rufai’s for defection from the APC to the SDP.

“He said he told President Buhari about his decision to leave the APC, but now he is saying that he is one of the adults in Nigerian politics,” Lamido stated.

Lamido further argued that the PDP had not done anything to warrant his defection, emphasizing his long-standing loyalty.

“If I was going to leave the PDP, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed,” he said.

Lamido also challenged El-Rufai’s leadership style, noting that leadership is not about anger or selfish ambition.

Lamido advised El-Rufai to put patriotism first instead of showing anger towards others, saying, “What should be done is to put patriotism first, instead of showing anger towards someone”.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State.

The arrest, which occurred in the wake of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has raised eyebrows.

Sani, who served as Commissioner for Local Government, Education, and Environment, was reportedly detained on the orders of the state government.

While the full details of the arrest remain unclear, sources indicate that police officials were involved in the operation.

Notably, Sani was the individual nominated by El-Rufai to replace him as a Minister in 2023, but his nomination was blocked by the Senate following security reports from the State Security Service.

His political journey has been marred by controversies, including opposition from the current Governor of Kaduna, Uba Sani, who disagreed with El-Rufai’s choice for the position.

In a letter dated March 10, 2025, Sani announced his departure from the APC, citing his disillusionment with the party’s leadership, which he accused of drifting away from its founding progressive ideals.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The 2027 game will not only be interesting but will also mark a significant turning point in Nigeria’s political landscape. The voting patterns and intricate scheming that shaped the 2023 elections will not be replicated in their exact form, yet their influence will still be felt. While the key political figures who played major roles in 2023 will remain central to the unfolding drama, they will adopt new strategies, shift alliances, and engage in different forms of political maneuvering.

The battle for power will be defined by strong political platforms, influential players, a formidable war chest, scientifically crafted strategies, and carefully calculated negotiations. The presidential race, in particular, will be a high-stakes contest, shaped by a mix of ambition, ideological shifts, and pragmatic political decisions.

An incumbent seeking a second term will be a bulldozer—with an enormous war chest, a solid structure, and the full weight of state power behind them. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will fight tooth and nail to secure reelection, as mostly, any first term president will do so. However, the APC stronghold – the North, is gradually slipping from the party’s grasp. In fact, 75% of President Tinubu’s second-term resources and energy will be expended in the North—making it a crucial battleground for his team. If the Tinubus have played their card very well, the North would have been firmly in the arms.

The North will be the main battleground, while the Southwest will find itself in a dilemma—torn between supporting their own and upholding their deep-rooted tradition of rewarding excellence. The Southeast will watch from the sidelines with arms akimbo but will ultimately follow their hearts, while the South-South may take a more indifferent stance, adopting a “let’s just move” attitude.

The recent resignation of Nasir El-Rufai from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is just one of many major developments that will reshape the political terrain in the coming months and 2027 approaches. El-Rufa’i’s early defection serves as a catalyst for the unfolding political drama. The Tinubu team is fortunate to have this early warning, giving them ample time to strategize. Meanwhile, the opposition will be on the offensive, while the APC will be forced into a defensive position.

For the opposition, the biggest challenge will be balancing the interests of four key groups: the Atiku camp, the Kwankwaso camp, the Peter Obi camp, and the El-Rufai/Buhari former ministers’ camp. They must navigate these competing interests carefully if they hope to strike the winning formula.

As political camps solidify and realign, new alliances will emerge, while old ones will fracture under the weight of conflicting interests. The electorate, too, will evolve—demanding more from their leaders and scrutinizing candidates beyond party affiliations.

Ultimately, the 2027 game will be a masterclass in political strategy and power dynamics—one that students of politics, analysts, and observers alike will find fascinating to study for years to come.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, zaymohd@yahoo.com, 08036070980

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A wave of resignations has struck the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State following the departure of former governor Nasir El-Rufai from the party.

Multiple resignation letters obtained on Monday indicate that several APC members, particularly those loyal to El-Rufai, have been leaving the ruling party in large numbers.

This development comes just hours after the former governor publicly announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Similarly, some former commissioners who served under El-Rufai have also withdrawn their membership from the APC.

Among them are Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani, a former Commissioner for Local Government, and Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, who previously oversaw Human Services and Social Development.

Both submitted their resignation letters to their respective ward chairmen on Monday.

In his letter, Sani expressed disappointment with the way the party leadership treated its members.

He stated, “With the hatred and disdain shown to us by the leadership of the party we worked hard to nurture, it has become compelling to seek another platform in our desire to bring development and prosperity to our dear people.”

He further explained that after consulting with key stakeholders in Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area, and Kaduna State, he decided to leave the APC immediately.

“As I move on, I remain grateful to you and to all members of the APC, as well as the electorates in the Ward, Kubau Local Government Area, and the State for the support rendered to me as Chairman of the APC Stakeholders, Kubau LGA,” he added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Several prominent figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) are reportedly preparing to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as part of a new political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those expected to join the SDP are former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and Attorney General Abubakar Malami, along with APC national chairman Abdullahi Adamu.

Their defections are said to follow the recent move by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who officially joined the SDP earlier today.

Although the specific reasons behind the defections remain unclear, sources suggest that the moves are part of a broader strategy to form a third-force coalition capable of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in the upcoming elections.