A political earthquake is hitting the All Progressives Congress (APC) as at least 10 former ministers of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, including Abdullahi Adamu, Abubakar Malami, and Ahmed Lawan, are set to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).¹ This mass defection is reportedly driven by the growing dissatisfaction with the current direction of the APC under President Bola Tinubu.
The defection train is led by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who cited a misalignment between his personal values and the APC’s current direction. El-Rufai, a vocal critic of President Tinubu, revealed that he sought Buhari’s approval before leaving the APC.
Other notable politicians who have defected or are set to defect include:
- Ahmad Kaita: Former senator and member of the House of Representatives from Katsina, who has joined the SDP.
- Abdulaziz Galadima: Former Publicity Secretary of the APC in Borno State, who confirmed his defection to the SDP.
- Rotimi Amaechi: Former governor of Rivers State, who is reportedly part of the coalition movement.
- Rauf Aregbesola: Former governor of Osun State, who is allegedly part of the political movement involving former ministers and APC officials.
The defections are seen as a significant blow to the APC, with many of its foundation members and bigwigs leaving the party. The SDP is expected to benefit from this mass defection, potentially becoming a major force in Nigerian politics.