El-Rufai Sparks SDP Turmoil As Senator Announces Defection Plan

El-Rufai Sparks SDP Turmoil As Senator Announces Defection Plan
Nigeria Politics
…Slams ‘Unprincipled Politics’
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is reeling from internal tensions following the dramatic announcement by Senator Ahmed Wadada of Nasarawa West that he intends to leave the party, citing “irreconcilable differences” with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

El-Rufai’s recent defection to the SDP has allegedly sharply polarized the party, with growing unease among top members over what many describe as his overbearing political style and lack of ideological consistency.

The controversy reached a boiling point on Sunday when Senator Wadada publicly declared his decision to exit the SDP, describing el-Rufai’s involvement as incompatible with the values he holds dear.

“Even though Malam El-Rufai is my elder brother,” Wadada said at a press briefing in Lafia, “I don’t think I can stay with him in the SDP because he is not a principled politician.

“I cannot be part of a political platform where there is no ideological direction and where personal ambition overrides collective interest.”

El-Rufai, once a staunch ally of President Bola Tinubu, played a critical role in the build-up to the 2023 presidential elections, publicly advocating for power rotation to the South and endorsing Tinubu’s candidacy.

However, following his rejection for a ministerial appointment, he pivoted dramatically, joining the SDP with the apparent aim of galvanizing opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party insiders say his move has unsettled the party’s leadership, many of whom fear his influence could undermine SDP’s cohesion.

“He’s trying to impose his will on everyone,” a senior SDP member had told journalists. “The party has its values, its culture, and el-Rufai’s politics is simply too combative and self-centered.”