Senator Wadada to dump SDP over irreconcilable differences with  El-Rufai

Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has revealed plans to resign from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing deep-seated differences with recent party entrants—most notably former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Wadada said El-Rufai’s entrance into the SDP has made his continued membership untenable. While acknowledging the former governor as a senior colleague and “elder brother,” he stressed that he could not align politically with someone he no longer sees as principled.

“Even though Malam El-Rufai is my elder brother, I don’t think I can stay with him in the SDP because he is not a principled politician,” the senator declared.

Wadada’s sharp criticism of El-Rufai stems from what he described as inconsistency and opportunism in the former governor’s political conduct. He pointed out that El-Rufai had previously championed the cause of power rotation to Southern Nigeria and was instrumental in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rise to the presidency under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He questioned what had changed to justify El-Rufai’s sudden defection to the SDP—especially after his reported fallout with the Tinubu administration following his failure to secure a ministerial appointment.

“What changed in President Tinubu between the time El-Rufai supported him and now that he has defected to the SDP?” Wadada asked pointedly, describing the move as driven by personal interest rather than principle.

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The senator went on to contrast El-Rufai’s actions with what he described as the political integrity of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former APC National Chairman and fellow Nasarawa political leader.

Wadada praised Adamu for standing by Senate President Ahmad Lawan during the APC presidential primaries and remaining loyal to the APC even after Lawan lost the ticket.

“That’s the kind of politics I respect—principled, not opportunistic,” Wadada said, reinforcing his disapproval of what he termed as political inconsistency.

On broader national issues, Senator Wadada acknowledged the economic difficulties currently facing the country, particularly those resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies.

However, he expressed optimism, noting that the reforms have led to increased revenue for state governments, enabling more visible development.

He singled out Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for commendation, saying the governor has prudently utilized savings from the fuel subsidy removal to deliver tangible infrastructure and welfare improvements.

“In Nasarawa State, the impact of the oil subsidy funds is visible everywhere—even to the most gullible and the blind,” he remarked.

Wadada’s imminent departure from the SDP marks a significant political shift and reflects growing tensions within the party as it attracts high-profile defections.

His move could also signal a broader debate within Nigeria’s political class over ideological consistency, party loyalty, and the ethics of political realignment.