When contacted, former President Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu, declined to comment on whether the ex-president supports his former ministers’ defections. However, Buhari has consistently reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and insists that he remains a committed member of the party.
Abuja, Nigeria – A growing number of former ministers from ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are set to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sources within the political circles have confirmed.
A former senator who served in the ninth National Assembly disclosed that at least ten former cabinet members are preparing to switch allegiance. He noted that their final move depends on the completion of SDP’s state structures in their respective regions.
El-Rufai Takes the Lead
Among the key figures spearheading the defections is the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. The outspoken politician announced his exit from the APC on Monday, citing a departure from the party’s core values and principles.
In a statement explaining his decision, El-Rufai emphasized his growing disillusionment with the party’s leadership and direction over the past two years. He asserted that he had repeatedly raised concerns, both privately and publicly, about the APC’s governance approach but saw no corrective action.
“I reached out to President Muhammadu Buhari before making my decision,” El-Rufai revealed in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service. “I consulted him, as I always do, and he was fully aware of my departure from the party.”
CPC Bloc Distances Itself from Tinubu
The defection of El-Rufai, along with Buhari’s perceived approval, appears to have triggered a wave of departures among politicians who were formerly members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) before its merger into the APC in 2013.
Leading figures in this movement include former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan. Sources indicate that more high-profile politicians from the CPC faction will be moving to the SDP or other political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among those who have already made the switch is Ahmad Kaita, a former senator and House of Representatives member from Katsina State. Other prominent figures who have left the APC include former Kaduna commissioners Ibrahim Hussaini (Agriculture), Aisha Dikko (Justice), Amina Baloni (Health), and Halima Lawal (Education), along with former Head of Service, Hajiya Bari’atu Mohammed.
Similarly, Adamu Modibbo, who served as the APC’s campaign secretary in Gombe State during the 2015 general elections, has also defected and now leads SDP’s state chapter. In Borno State, former APC Publicity Secretary Abdulaziz Galadima confirmed his resignation from the party, citing its deviation from its founding principles.
A Growing Coalition of Political Heavyweights
Sources indicate that the mass movement is not just about opposition to President Bola Tinubu but also a broader effort to provide an alternative political structure for Nigerians.
A close associate of Malami disclosed that the coalition seeks to address governance failures and offer a more people-centered approach. He noted that the movement cuts across multiple political affiliations, involving former governors, senators, ministers, and party leaders from the APC, PDP, defunct CPC, and ACN.
Among the political heavyweights reportedly involved in the movement are former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun). Others include ex-Senate President David Mark, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South).
Discontent Over Tinubu’s Leadership
An APC chieftain from Imo State confirmed that discussions about the CPC bloc’s exit from the party had been ongoing for months. He expressed concerns that Tinubu’s approach to governance has alienated core APC stakeholders, particularly those who played key roles in its formation.
“The APC is shrinking instead of growing,” he remarked. “The CPC was a crucial faction in the party, and its departure will significantly weaken the APC. These are not fringe politicians—many of them have a strong grassroots following.”
Meanwhile, former Minister of Sports and Youth Development Solomon Lalong, who left the APC for the SDP in 2022, disclosed that talks are ongoing with various political figures regarding a potential coalition. While declining to name specific individuals, he assured that the movement was gaining momentum nationwide.
“The current administration’s governance style is alienating many stakeholders,” Lalong stated. “Unless Tinubu changes his approach, Nigerians will soon respond decisively.”
Lalong also criticized Tinubu for failing to acknowledge Buhari’s role in his rise to power. “Buhari made sacrifices for Tinubu’s political success, yet he has not been given due recognition in this administration,” he added.
Aregbesola’s Role in the Political Realignment
While former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola’s media aide declined to comment on his rumored defection, a close associate confirmed that he has been invited to join the SDP. The source hinted that Aregbesola is part of a broader political movement involving former Buhari ministers and other national figures.
“This is bigger than just one political party,” the source explained. “Even if some join the SDP or ADC, the ultimate goal is a coalition that will consolidate by 2027.”
Aregbesola’s political group, Omoluabi Progressives, recently broke away from the APC, citing internal marginalization and unfair treatment of its members.
Buhari’s Stance on the Defections
When contacted, former President Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu, declined to comment on whether the ex-president supports his former ministers’ defections. However, Buhari has consistently reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and insists that he remains a committed member of the party.
As the political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 elections, all eyes are on the growing coalition and its potential impact on Nigeria’s power structure.
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