Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, has revealed plans to exit the Social Democratic Party (SDP), ci...
Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, has revealed plans to exit the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable differences with certain individuals who recently joined the party, notably former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
In an exclusive interview with journalists in Keffi, Senator Wadada expressed discomfort with El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP, saying it contradicts the values he upholds in politics.
“Even though Malam El-Rufai is my elder brother, I don’t think I can stay with him in the SDP because he is not a principled politician,” Wadada stated firmly.
He criticised El-Rufai’s political realignment, recalling the former governor’s previous advocacy for power rotation to the South and his instrumental role in the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s presidential candidate. Wadada, however, questioned El-Rufai’s sudden departure from the APC following his failure to secure a ministerial appointment.
“What changed in President Tinubu between the time El-Rufai supported him and now that he has defected to the SDP?” Wadada queried, describing the move as one rooted in personal ambition rather than ideology.
He maintained that he cannot align with politicians who, in his words, “prioritise personal gains over national interest.”
Drawing a contrast, Wadada commended former APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu, describing him as a man of consistency and principle. He recounted how Adamu supported Senate President Ahmad Lawan during the APC presidential primaries, and despite Lawan’s loss to Tinubu, remained loyal to the party without defecting.
“That is the kind of political integrity I respect,” Wadada added.
On national issues, the senator acknowledged the economic hardships Nigerians are facing due to the removal of the fuel subsidy. However, he expressed cautious optimism, stating that the reallocation of subsidy savings directly to state governments has begun to yield visible developmental results.
“In Nasarawa State, the impact of the oil subsidy funds is visible everywhere—even to the most gullible and the blind,” he noted, praising Governor Abdullahi Sule for effectively deploying the funds to improve infrastructure and social services.
Senator Wadada’s announcement signals a potentially significant shift in Nasarawa State’s political landscape, particularly within the ranks of the SDP, where his departure could spark further internal debates over ideology and leadership.
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