Nigeria – In a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, the 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Engr. Yusuf Buhari, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Buhari was joined by Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa, the SDP’s Kano State governorship candidate, along with Kano State Working Committee members, 38 local government chairmen and secretaries, and 19 legislative candidates (13 House of Assembly and 6 House of Representatives candidates). The defection, which took place in Abuja, was facilitated by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Jibrin described the move as a severe blow to the SDP’s ambitions in the 2027 elections. He declared that the defection effectively cripples any attempt to build the SDP as an opposition force against the APC.
“Those who were hoping to challenge APC through the SDP should realize that the idea is dead on arrival,” Jibrin stated. “Today, we welcome the Vice Presidential candidate, the Kano governorship candidate, and other key SDP figures into the APC. The party is now empty.”
Jibrin reassured the defectors that they would receive equal treatment within the APC, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms played a key role in their decision. He highlighted improvements in inflation rates, foreign exchange stability, and national security as key achievements of the administration.
Speaking on behalf of the APC leadership, National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, represented by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, described the defection as a transition “from darkness to light.” Ganduje reaffirmed that the APC remains the leading force for Nigeria’s national development, welcoming the new members with open arms.
Former Kano State Governor, Senator Kabiru Gaya, declared that the defection marked the effective end of the SDP, stating: “Today, we are celebrating the burial of that party.”
Explaining their decision, Engr. Yusuf Buhari said the impact of Tinubu’s leadership and reforms convinced them to rejoin the APC. He praised Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly in tackling inflation, stabilizing foreign exchange, and addressing insecurity.
Similarly, Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa described his return to the APC as inevitable, stating that Tinubu’s leadership had restored his confidence in the party. He also expressed gratitude to Senator Jibrin for facilitating the move.
The mass defection further strengthens the APC’s hold on Kano State and Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about the SDP’s future ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
