By Dansu Peter A political storm is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as at least ten former ministers from the Muhammadu ...
By Dansu Peter
According to report by Punch, a wave of political realignments is underway, with many key figures from Buhari’s administration set to move en masse to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). A former senator from the Ninth Assembly, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the affected individuals are only waiting for the finalization of the party structure in their respective states before making their move public.
Among the high-profile defectors are former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; ex-Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; and former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan. This development underscores growing dissatisfaction within the APC, particularly among the bloc loyal to the former president.
A key player in the unfolding political drama is former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. On Monday, El-Rufai officially joined the SDP, citing what he described as the APC’s deviation from its founding principles.
"Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation. I have raised concerns in private and public regarding the party’s capricious trajectory," El-Rufai declared.
In a candid revelation, El-Rufai confirmed that he had sought and received Buhari’s blessing before defecting. "I left the APC with his full knowledge. I visited him and informed him of my decision because I always consult with him on important matters," he stated during a BBC Hausa interview.
El-Rufai’s departure appears to have triggered an exodus of former CPC (Congress for Progressive Change) loyalists, who played a crucial role in the APC’s formation. Political analysts suggest that the defection wave signals a growing rebellion within the northern stronghold of the ruling party.
Buhari, El-Rufai, Malami, and Lawan were all key figures in CPC before it merged with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other parties to form the APC in 2013. Their growing disenchantment with the Tinubu administration suggests that the APC’s internal fractures may be deeper than previously assumed.
Following El-Rufai’s defection, former Katsina senator Ahmad Kaita and several ex-Kaduna State government officials also switched allegiance to the SDP. Prominent figures such as former Kaduna commissioners Ibrahim Hussaini (Agriculture), Aisha Dikko (Justice), Amina Baloni (Health), and Halima Lawal (Education) have joined the exodus.
Similarly, former APC Publicity Secretary in Borno State, Abdulaziz Galadima, confirmed that he has left the ruling party. "Many original CPC members will leave the APC for the SDP or another party because the current leadership has lost direction," he said.
Sources within the coalition movement indicate that the political realignment extends beyond former Buhari loyalists. Several heavyweight politicians, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), have been linked to ongoing discussions about a new political formation.
A former Senate President, David Mark, along with ex-APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, are also reportedly involved.
An APC chieftain in Imo State confirmed that the CPC faction has finalized plans to break away. "At least ten former ministers and many senators from the Ninth Assembly are set to leave the APC," he stated.
He blamed Tinubu’s leadership style for the discontent, saying, "President Tinubu has mismanaged the party’s success. The CPC bloc is a powerful faction, and its departure will leave the APC significantly weakened."
Although Rauf Aregbesola has not officially announced his next political move, insiders suggest he has been invited to join the SDP. His political group, Omoluabi Progressives, recently left the APC, citing marginalization and suppression of its members.
Meanwhile, Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu, refrained from making any definitive statements on the defections but reiterated that the former president remains a loyal APC member.
The mass defections signal a significant political challenge for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. With a growing coalition of disaffected APC members rallying under a new political umbrella, the ruling party’s dominance may be tested in key northern strongholds.
Political analysts argue that Tinubu’s leadership style, perceived marginalization of key figures, and failure to maintain party unity could fuel further defections in the coming months.
As Nigeria gears up for the next general elections, the political landscape appears to be shifting dramatically, with implications that could reshape the country’s governance structure.
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