The 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Occasion, SDP, Yusuf Buhari, and Kano State governorship candidate, Bala Gwagwarawa, have defected to the APC.
Additionally defecting are the Kano State Working Committee, 38 native authorities chairmen and secretaries, 13 state meeting, and 6 Home of Representatives candidates.
The SDP chieftains’ defection was formalised at an occasion held in Abuja on Tuesday, marking a big shift within the state’s political panorama.
Addressing the defectors, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, mentioned their transfer proves that plans to problem the APC in 2027 through SDP are doomed.
He famous this growth as a blow to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who had just lately joined the SDP forward of the 2027 elections.
Mr Barau mentioned: “These traversing the nation, making an attempt to construct the SDP right into a viable platform to rival the APC in 2027, have failed totally.
“That mission is lifeless on arrival. Nigerians have rejected it. Even distinguished figures like Sule Lamido have distanced themselves from the get together.
“Right this moment, the Vice Presidential candidate, Kano’s governorship flag-bearer, and different SDP stalwarts have joined the APC. Extra are anticipated to comply with swimsuit in coming days.
“If we delayed this assembly until tomorrow, almost all SDP candidates nationwide would have joined us. We will obtain them formally sooner or later,” Barau added.
He assured the brand new members of equal remedy, stating nobody could be thought of inferior no matter after they joined the APC.
“Everyone seems to be equal. Becoming a member of immediately or being a long-time member doesn’t diminish your significance. You might be all valued equally,” Mr Barau declared.
He praised the defectors for acknowledging the achievements recorded below President Bola Tinubu’s administration and aligning with APC’s imaginative and prescient.
APC Nationwide Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, warmly welcomed the brand new entrants, promising them full rights and privileges inside the get together.
Represented by Deputy Nationwide Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Ganduje described the defection as a transfer “from darkness to mild.”
He lauded the APC’s position as a mannequin of transformative management below President Tinubu, promising continued progress and nationwide growth.
Former Kano Governor, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, famous that the SDP was already depleted by the point El-Rufai joined, rendering it ineffective.
“The SDP is lifeless. Its Vice Presidential candidate is right here, the Kano candidate is right here, all key stakeholders are actually with APC.
“I commend the Deputy Senate President for securing these heavyweight politicians for our get together. It’s an ideal victory for APC,” he mentioned.NA
