By Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Engr. Yusuf Buhari, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the move alongside Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa, the SDP’s Kano State governorship candidate, and several other prominent party members.
The defection was coordinated by Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, at an event held in Abuja. Senator Jibrin described the mass defection as a major blow to the SDP’s hope of becoming a strong opposition in the upcoming elections. “Those who planned to build the SDP as a challenge to APC in 2027 should know it’s over,” Jibrin stated.
Senator Jibrin praised the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting the administration for stabilizing the economy and reducing inflation. According to him, the positive changes encouraged the defectors to join the APC. “We can see how prices are going down and inflation is easing. I am glad that this progress motivated you to join APC,” he added.
APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, represented by Chief Emma Eneukwu, welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a step “from darkness to light.” He emphasized the party’s commitment to national development and inclusivity.
Former Kano State governor, Senator Kabiru Gaya, expressed confidence that the SDP’s relevance in Nigerian politics had effectively ended. “Today, we are celebrating the burial of that party,” he declared.
Engr. Yusuf Buhari explained that the impact of Tinubu’s policies made it clear that joining the APC was the right choice. “Inflation is easing, insecurity is being addressed, and rural farmers will soon return to their farms,” Buhari noted. Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa also cited Tinubu’s leadership as a key reason for their defection, calling the APC his “political family.”
