There are indications that several former ministers from ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are set to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). A senator from the ninth Assembly, who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity, revealed that at least ten former members of Buhari’s cabinet are preparing to make the transition.
“They are waiting for the finalization of the party structure in their respective states,” the source stated.
Key figures leading the defections include former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu; former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has already made headlines by defecting to the SDP, citing a significant misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as his reason for leaving.
“Recent developments confirm that those currently in control of the APC do not wish to acknowledge, let alone address, the party’s unhealthy condition,” El-Rufai stated. He emphasized his concerns about the APC’s trajectory, which led him to seek a new political platform to pursue his progressive values.
El-Rufai noted that he consulted Buhari before making his decision. “I left the APC with his full knowledge. I met with him on Friday and informed him about my departure because I involve him in all my decisions,” he explained during an interview with BBC Hausa.
CPC Members Move Against Tinubu
El-Rufai’s defection, coupled with Buhari’s apparent approval, has catalyzed further departures from the APC, particularly among members affiliated with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
Buhari, El-Rufai, Malami, and Lawan were instrumental in the formation of the APC in 2013, merging various political factions. Following El-Rufai’s exit, Ahmad Kaita, a former senator and House of Representatives member from Katsina, also joined the SDP, along with former Kaduna State commissioners for Agriculture, Justice, Health, and Education, as well as the former Head of Service.
Additionally, Adamu Modibbo, Campaign Secretary for the APC in Gombe State during the 2015 elections, has left the party and now chairs the SDP in the state. Abdulaziz Galadima, a former Publicity Secretary of the APC in Borno State, confirmed his defection, citing a departure from the party’s foundational principles.
Emergence of a Coalition
While attempts to reach Malami for comments were unsuccessful, an aide confirmed his involvement in coalition discussions aimed at presenting credible alternatives to governance in Nigeria. The coalition reportedly includes influential politicians from various parties, including former governors and senators.
A prominent source noted that a significant number of former ministers and senators are expected to leave the APC, with dissatisfaction regarding President Tinubu’s leadership being a common sentiment.
Solomon Dalung, a former Minister of Sports and Youth Development who left the APC for the SDP in 2022, highlighted ongoing discussions among political figures. He criticized Tinubu’s governance style, suggesting that it has alienated many former allies.
Dalung also claimed that Tinubu has not adequately recognized Buhari’s contributions. “Currently, Tinubu cannot name a single adviser he considered for Buhari’s administration,” he remarked.
As for former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, while his media adviser declined to comment on his potential defection, insiders indicated he is part of a broader political movement that may involve joining the SDP.
When approached for comment, Buhari’s media aide stated he would need to consult with the former president before addressing the reported defections. However, Buhari has maintained his loyalty to the APC and wishes to be recognized as such.
