Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, representing Nasarawa West in the Nigerian Senate, has announced his intention to resign from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing fundamental differences with recent party entrants, particularly former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking to journalists in Keffi on Sunday, Wadada explained that despite considering El-Rufai as his "elder brother," he cannot remain in the same political party with someone whose principles he no longer respects.
"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," Wadada stated firmly.
Questioning El-Rufai's Political Consistency
The senator criticized El-Rufai's recent political realignment, recalling the former governor's strong advocacy for power rotation to the South and his instrumental role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's emergence as the APC presidential candidate and eventual election victory.
Wadada pointedly questioned what circumstances had changed to warrant El-Rufai's defection to the SDP, particularly after failing to secure a ministerial appointment in the Tinubu administration.
"What changed in President Tinubu between the time El-Rufai supported him and now that he has defected to the SDP?" he asked, characterizing the move as self-serving and inconsistent with the values he believes public servants should uphold.
Principled Politics vs. Opportunism
In contrast, Wadada praised Senator Abdullahi Adamu as exemplifying consistency and integrity in politics. He highlighted Adamu's unwavering support for Senator Ahmad Lawan during the APC primaries and his continued loyalty to the party even after Lawan's defeat.
"That's the kind of politics I respect—principled, not opportunistic," he emphasized.
Views on National Economic Situation
Addressing broader national issues, Senator Wadada acknowledged the current economic challenges resulting from fuel subsidy removal but expressed optimism about the future. He noted that state governments now have increased resources for development projects.
The senator specifically commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for effectively utilizing subsidy savings to improve infrastructure and welfare programs across the state.
"In Nasarawa State, the impact of the oil subsidy funds is visible everywhere—even to the most gullible and the blind," Wadada remarked.
While Wadada has not yet announced which political party he intends to join after leaving the SDP, his departure signals continuing realignments in Nigeria's political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
Stay connected with the latest political developments by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
