Mass defection: SDP Chieftains join APC
The 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Yusuf Buhari, along with the party’s Kano State governorship candidate, Bala Gwagwarawa, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They were joined by the SDP’s Kano State Working Committee, 38 local government chairmen and secretaries, 13 state assembly candidates, and six House of Representatives candidates.
Their defection was officially confirmed at an event in Abuja on Tuesday, marking a significant political shift in Kano State.
Addressing the new APC members, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau asserted that the move signalled the collapse of any plans to challenge the ruling party through the SDP in the 2027 elections.
He described the development as a major setback for former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who had recently aligned with the SDP in preparation for the next electoral cycle.
Barau stated, “Those touring the country in an attempt to establish the SDP as a formidable opposition to the APC in 2027 have completely failed.
“That ambition is doomed from the outset. The Nigerian people have dismissed it. Even prominent political figures such as Sule Lamido have disassociated themselves from the party.
“Today, the Vice Presidential candidate, Kano’s gubernatorial contender, and numerous SDP stalwarts have joined the APC. In the coming days, even more will follow.”
He added, “Had this event been scheduled for tomorrow, nearly all SDP candidates nationwide would have already switched allegiance. We will formally receive additional defectors in due course.”
Barau reassured the newcomers of equal treatment within the APC, emphasising that no one would be considered less significant based on when they joined the party.
“Every member is valued equally. Whether you joined today or have been part of the APC for years, your importance remains the same,” he declared.
He commended the defectors for recognising the accomplishments of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and aligning with the APC’s governance agenda.
APC National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje extended a warm welcome to the new entrants, assuring them of full membership rights and privileges within the party.
Represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Ganduje characterised the defection as a transition “from obscurity to enlightenment.”
He praised the APC’s track record of transformative leadership under President Tinubu and reiterated the party’s commitment to national progress and development.
Former Kano State Governor, Senator Kabiru Gaya, stated that by the time El-Rufai joined the SDP, the party was already in decline, rendering it ineffective.
“The SDP is finished. Its Vice Presidential candidate is here, its Kano governorship candidate is here, and all key figures have now moved to the APC,” Gaya declared.
He commended the Deputy Senate President for orchestrating the mass defection, describing it as a significant political victory for the APC.
