Paragraph 1: The Rumored Exodus from APC
Whispers of a mass defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have been circulating, with sources suggesting that at least ten former ministers who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari are poised to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This potential exodus is reportedly spearheaded by prominent Buhari loyalists, including former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan. The move is said to be awaiting the finalization of SDP structures within their respective states. The defections are attributed to growing disillusionment with the current direction of the APC under President Bola Tinubu.
Paragraph 2: El-Rufai’s Defection and Buhari’s Blessing
The defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the SDP ignited a wave of speculation and subsequent departures. El-Rufai cited a fundamental misalignment between his progressive values and the APC’s current trajectory as the driving force behind his decision. He openly criticized President Tinubu’s administration and significantly revealed he sought and received Buhari’s blessing before leaving the APC, underscoring the depth of the rift within the party. El-Rufai’s move signaled a potential broader realignment within the political landscape.
Paragraph 3: The CPC Bloc and Tinubu’s Challenges
El-Rufai’s departure, along with those of other former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) members, highlights the internal fractures within the APC. The CPC, Buhari’s former party, merged with other political groups to form the APC in 2013. The exodus of this influential bloc suggests a strategic maneuver against Tinubu’s leadership and potentially reveals the emergence of a new political coalition. This coalition, hinted at by El-Rufai, comprises aggrieved APC members and potentially members from other parties who share a common vision for governance.
Paragraph 4: Widening the Circle: A Cross-Party Coalition
The coalition appears to extend beyond disgruntled APC members, potentially encompassing prominent figures from other political parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Names circulating include former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Liyel Imoke (Cross Rivers), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), as well as former Senate President David Mark and ex-APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun. This diverse group suggests a concerted effort to build a significant political force capable of challenging the existing power structure.
Paragraph 5: Grievances and Discontent within the APC
The reasons behind the potential mass exodus are multifaceted. Sources point to President Tinubu’s perceived mismanagement of the APC, his alleged authoritarian leadership style, and his purported unfair treatment of Buhari. This dissatisfaction extends beyond the CPC bloc, with other APC members voicing concerns about the party’s shrinking size and the marginalization of certain groups. The coalition movement appears to be driven by a desire for a more inclusive and less centralized approach to governance, as well as a rejection of what some view as the commercialization of politics at the expense of Nigerian citizens.
Paragraph 6: The Future of the Coalition and the SDP’s Role
While the SDP is currently the focal point for many of the defections, the long-term strategy seems to involve a broader coalition potentially incorporating various political parties. It is speculated that the SDP or another party might serve as an interim platform until a more formal coalition emerges closer to the 2027 elections. The coalition’s success hinges on its ability to unify diverse political figures, articulate a compelling alternative vision for Nigeria, and effectively mobilize support across the country. The defections, current and anticipated, signal a significant shift in the political landscape and pose a potential challenge to the APC’s dominance.
