A seismic shift is underway in Nigeria’s political landscape as prominent members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including former ministers, senators, and party stalwarts, are reportedly finalizing plans to defect to the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP). This development signals deepening fractures within the APC and growing discontent with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Key Figures Leading the Exodus
According to exclusive reports from The Punch, high-profile defectors include:
Abdullahi Adamu: Former APC National Chairman.
Abubakar Malami: Ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Ahmed Lawan: Former Senate President.
Ali Ndume: Senator representing Borno South and vocal APC member.
John Odigie-Oyegun: Founding APC National Chairman.
Emeka Nwajiuba: Former Minister of State for Education under Buhari.
Sources reveal that at least 10 former ministers from ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet are part of the planned defection, alongside senators from the ninth National Assembly. The move is reportedly coordinated by a coalition of Buhari loyalists frustrated by Tinubu’s leadership style and the APC’s perceived decline.
Why Are They Leaving the APC?
A senior APC chieftain, speaking anonymously, cited widespread dissatisfaction:
“President Tinubu has mismanaged the party’s successes. The APC is shrinking when it should be expanding. Northern and southern leaders are unhappy, yet the presidency seems indifferent.”
Key grievances include:
1. Leadership Mismanagement: Allegations of poor party cohesion and neglect of foundational members.
2. CPC Bloc Exit: The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction—a critical APC pillar—is leading the exodus. Their departure could destabilize the party’s structure.
3. Coalition Ambitions: Defectors aim to join a broader opposition movement, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s 2027 electoral dynamics.
SDP or a New Coalition?
While the SDP is the rumored destination, insiders hint at a larger coalition in the works. The defectors are allegedly waiting for the SDP to finalize state-level structures before announcing their move. However, the coalition could evolve into a new mega-party, drawing in heavyweights like former Senate President David Mark and ex-governors disgruntled with the APC.
An Imo State APC leader confirmed:
“These are not paperweight politicians. They’re foundation members with genuine followings. If the CPC bloc exits, the APC will not remain the same.”
Implications for Nigerian Politics
1. APC’s Vulnerability: Losing its CPC wing and key Buhari allies weakens the APC’s national influence, particularly in northern strongholds.
2. SDP’s Rise: The SDP, once a fringe player, could emerge as a formidable opposition force ahead of 2027.
3. Tinubu’s Challenge: The defections highlight mounting internal pressure on Tinubu to address party grievances or risk further fragmentation.
What’s Next?
Political analysts warn that this exodus could trigger a domino effect, with more APC members defecting ahead of the next election cycle. The coalition’s success will hinge on its ability to unite diverse factions and present a credible alternative to voters.
As Nigeria navigates economic challenges and security crises, this realignment underscores the volatile nature of its politics—where loyalty is fluid, and power balances shift rapidly.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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