Mass Defection Looms: Buhari’s Ex-Ministers, Governors, And Senators Set To Join SDP Amid Tinubu’s Reign

Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from both the North and South are reportedly dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, sparking strong indications that several former ministers from Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, along with ex-governors and senators, are preparing to defect en masse to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, made headlines on Monday when he officially joined the SDP, citing irreconcilable differences with the APC’s current direction. He later revealed that he sought Buhari’s approval before making his exit, a move that has triggered a wave of defections, particularly among northern politicians with ties to the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

Following El-Rufai’s defection, former House of Representatives member Ahmad Kaita from Katsina also joined the SDP, alongside former Kaduna State commissioners for Agriculture (Ibrahim Hussaini), Justice (Aisha Dikko), Health (Amina Baloni), and Education (Halima Lawal), as well as ex-Head of Service Hajiya Bari’atu Mohammed.

Additionally, Adamu Modibbo, who served as the APC Campaign Secretary in Gombe State during the 2015 elections, has left the party and now chairs the SDP in the state.

A senator from the ninth Assembly, speaking anonymously, revealed that at least 10 former ministers from Buhari’s cabinet are expected to make the switch, including former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.

According to sources, these politicians are awaiting the finalisation of party structures in their respective states before making official announcements. One of Malami’s close aides confirmed his involvement, stating that the movement is not solely about unseating Tinubu in 2027 but rather about offering Nigerians a credible, people-focused alternative to governance.

He added, “We oppose the current trend of commercialized governance that undermines the welfare of Nigerians. This new coalition is bringing together high-profile figures from the APC, PDP, defunct CPC, and ACN to establish a stronger, more accountable leadership.”