El-Rufai Sparks SDP Turmoil As Senator Announces Defection Plan
…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.”
Wadada echoed these sentiments, highlighting the inconsistency in El-Rufai’s political trajectory.
“This is someone who canvassed aggressively for Tinubu in 2023. He was central to the campaign that brought this government to power.”
The senator alleged that because he was denied a cabinet position, he turned around to fight the same administration, asking what has “changed in President Tinubu between then and now?”
In stark contrast, Wadada praised former APC Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu for what he called “steadfastness in principle,” even in the face of political defeat.
“When Senator Adamu supported Senator Ahmad Lawan during the APC primaries, he did so based on conviction. And even after Lawan didn’t emerge, he remained loyal to the party. That’s the kind of politics I respect—principled, not opportunistic,” Wadada stated.
Beyond the internal politics of the SDP, Wadada also touched on pressing national issues, particularly the economic strain resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies.
While acknowledging the hardships Nigerians are facing, he expressed cautious optimism.
“The subsidy removal is painful, no doubt, but it has also opened up new streams of revenue for state governments. In Nasarawa State, we are seeing those funds being put to good use,” he said.
He applauded Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for his handling of the increased revenues, citing visible progress in infrastructure and welfare projects.
“The impact of the oil subsidy funds is visible everywhere in Nasarawa—even to the most gullible and the blind,” he said, in a pointed endorsement of Governor Sule’s performance.
El-Rufai Sparks SDP Turmoil As Senator Announces Defection Plan is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
