In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Engr. Yusuf Buhari has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was joined by Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa, the party’s Kano State governorship candidate, Kano State Working Committee members, 38 local government chairmen and secretaries, and 13 House of Assembly and 6 House of Representatives candidates.
The defection, facilitated by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, took place yesterday in Abuja.
Senator Jibrin, addressing the gathering, described the defection as a death knell for plans to position the SDP as a formidable opposition force in the 2027 elections.
“Those who have been trying to woo people to SDP with the hope of challenging APC in the next elections should know that the idea is dead on arrival,” Jibrin declared. “Today, the Vice Presidential candidate, the Kano governorship candidate, and other key SDP figures have joined APC.
The party is going to be empty.”
He assured the defectors they would enjoy equal rights and privileges within the APC. “You are all the same. You will be treated equally if you joined today or have been here for years,” he added.
Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, Jibrin praised the administration’s efforts to stabilise the economy and reduce inflation. “We can see how prices are going down and inflation is easing. I am glad that this progress motivated you to join APC.”
Speaking on behalf of the APC leadership, the party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, represented by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, described the mass defection as a transition “from darkness to light,” reinforcing APC’s image as the engine of Nigeria’s renewal under President Tinubu.
“The APC is home to all who seek genuine national development. We are proud to welcome political heavyweights with grassroots appeal into our fold,” Ganduje said, reaffirming the party’s inclusive principles.
For his part, former Kano State governor, Senator Kabiru Gaya, said the defection signals the effective end of the SDP. “Today, we are celebrating the burial of that party. The Vice Presidential candidate is here, the Kano governorship candidate is here, and all other key players are now in APC,” he said.
Speaking on their decision, Engr. Yusuf Buhari explained that the visible impact of Tinubu’s reforms compelled them to return to the APC.
“When President Tinubu came to power, there were numerous challenges. But despite the pains of tough reforms, we are now seeing results. Inflation is easing, foreign exchange is stabilising, and insecurity is being addressed. Rural farmers will soon return to their farms, helping further reduce food prices,” he said.
Similarly, Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa said their return to the APC was inevitable, citing Tinubu’s leadership and achievements.
“APC is my political family. I was part of its formation. President Tinubu knows Nigeria and has shown that he can steer the country in the right direction,” he said, thanking Senator Jibrin for playing a key role in facilitating the defection.
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