COVER
2027 Presidency: el-Rufai Finally Dumps APC for SDP
By Joel Oladele, Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Ahead of 2027 General Elections, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing “irreconcilable differences” with the party’s current leadership.
The move, announced in a resignation letter submitted to his local ward in Kaduna State yesterday, signals turbulence within the APC, where El-Rufai’s past critiques of President Bola Tinubu’s administration have stoked tensions.
The news of El-Rufai’s defection has, however, prompted immediate reactions from both his former party and fellow political figures.
One of such is the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Policy, Daniel Bwala, who noted that the move “is simply an inordinate ambition that is destined to fail.”Also, the Kaduna State chapter of APC expressed confidence in its political fortitude, noting that the party is unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection as its focus is to deliver the state to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding El-Rufai’s move became even more charged with comments from his son, Bashir El-Rufai, who hinted at the potential entry of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi into the SDP. Responding to a user on X (formerly Twitter), who argued that Obi’s inclusion could bolster the SDP’s chances against the APC, Bashir cryptically remarked, “He is coming.” This comment fueled discussions about shifting alliances and the potential for new coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections
El-Rufai’s defection comes after months of escalating criticism aimed at the APC’s leadership, marking the culmination of a political journey he now believes has become untenable within the party’s confines.
While giving his reasons for the development, El-rufai cited irreconcilable differences with the current leadership.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, expressed his disillusionment with the party’s direction in recent years.
“I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform.
“However, developments in the last two years have confirmed a troubling disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear,” El-Rufai stressed.
He highlighted his role in securing electoral victories for the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, emphasizing his commitment to advancing human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment in Kaduna State during his tenure as governor.
“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” El-Rufai asserted.
He expressed gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, and supporters for their counsel and announced his decision to join the Social Democratic Party.
“As a member of the SDP, I am committed to fostering a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in upcoming elections,” El-Rufai declared.
He called upon all Nigerians concerned about the country’s future to join him in the SDP’s endeavour to elevate Nigeria as a beacon of pride for Africa and the Black Race.
El-Rufai concluded his announcement with a call for unity and progress, pledging to devote his efforts towards building a stronger democratic alternative in Nigeria.
Your Ambition Destined to Fail, Bwala Tells El-Rufai
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, Daniel Bwala, yesterday, said former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s “inordinate” attempt to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 is destined to fail.
Bwala said this in reaction to El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after months of criticising the ruling APC.
“I read the news today that you resigned from APC to join SDP,” Mr Bwala wrote on X. “We would intellectually remind you that associating with sore losers to unseat the incumbent is not an ideology, neither is it progressivism; it is simply an inordinate ambition that is destined to fail.”
Going back on his earlier decision not to leave APC, the former governor lamented the failure of the party’s leadership to address members’ concerns.
He stated, “Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.”
However, acknowledging El-Rufai’s right to defect to another party, Mr Bwala stressed that the former governor’s decision would be subject to further interrogation.
“Well, I have nothing against you because you exercised your constitutional right. The motive is what we would interrogate in the coming days and remind Nigerians that you are not a phenomenal that emerges like a clap of thunder out of a blue sky,” Mr Bwala insisted.
We’re Not Disturbed by El-Rufai’s Defection to SDP – Kaduna APC
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has said it will not lose sleep over the defection of former state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party.
Reacting to the defection, the Secretary of the Kaduna APC, Yahaya Baba-Pate, said the party remained unperturbed by the defection of the former governor.
Baba-Pate said the party was focused on delivering the state to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
Baba-Pate, who spoke to journalists in Kaduna on Yesterday, expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in the state, citing the influx of high-profile politicians joining the party daily in the state.
He expressed confidence that the party’s fortunes will not be affected by El-Rufai’s departure.
He said, “We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
“The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party on a daily basis. So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in the state.
“We are not disturbed and we are not going to lose our sleep over El-rufai’s moves. The party in the state is growing more than before.”
Ex-Presidential Candidate Welcomes El-Rufai to SDP, Says it’s Time for Good Politics
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in 2023, Adewole Adebayo, has described former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai’s defection to the party as a welcome development, saying it is time for good politics.
Adebayo, while reacting to el-Rufai’s defection from All Progressives Congress (APC) on his X handle, described the former governor as ‘a hardworking and sagacious person’.
“On behalf of the teeming members of SDP and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria and her promise of inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother, el-Rufai to our party.
“With the hardworking and sagacious Malam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity.
“Now is the time for us to put our collective shoulders behind the efforts to fulfill chapter 2 of the constitution and rescue Nigerians from bad governance and underdevelopment,” he said.
According to him, all genuine democrats and true nationalists who believe in order, decency and honesty are welcome to SDP.
Adebayo described SDP as a party governed by law, not men, constitution, not constipation of money or personal ambition.
“Together, following the law, the constitution and manifesto of our party, we can set a good example of clean and ethical politics to emulate and rally Nigeria to the forefront of the liberation of Africa and peoples of the Black World.
“Good politics begets good governance. Let no one sit on the fence any further. There is no time to waste. Join us on the March Again!” the former presidential candidate said.
El-Rufai’s Son Hints at Peter Obi Joining SDP
Son of former Kaduna State Governor, Bashir El-Rufai, has suggested that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, might join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following his father’s defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bashir dropped the hint while responding to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a user, @Freedom42602077, who argued that the SDP would struggle to defeat the APC in the 2027 elections unless it aligns with Peter Obi.
“Bro to bro, if Peter Obi is not in that party, they can’t win the presidency. APC will have it again!” the user wrote.
Reacting, Bashir El-Rufai simply replied: “He is coming.”
The cryptic response has since fuelled speculations about ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many questioning whether Obi is indeed considering a move to the SDP.
El-Rufai’s exit from the APC was reportedly part of a broader defection wave, with sources indicating that several other prominent figures within the party are considering a move to the SDP.
Among those rumoured to be in talks are; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Ekiti State former Governor, Kayode Fayemi, former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and several other ministers from the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
By David Torough, Abuja
The 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors yesterday adopted President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of the party for the 2027 general elections.This was even as the leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives expressed their full support for Tinubu’s second term, stating that the country is currently on a path of growth and progress.
The Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF’s) Chairman and governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, spoke on behalf of all the governors at the National Summit of APC at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.The governors also passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu.The Vice Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, joined Governor Uzodimma on the podium to second the motion for the adoption of the President as APC presidential candidate for 2027 poll.Thereafter, Uzodimma put the motion to vote before the participants at the National Summit.Those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; members of the National Assembly; serving and former governors, and APC members from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.They, through voice vote and standing ovation, adopted President Tinubu for a second term in office come 2027.Uzodimma said the governors were united in their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.He said: “That for Nigeria to get to her destination faster in prosperity, that the president should be used and adopted as our flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election, for a second term in office.“That the governors produced by our All Progressives Congress are hereby charged to take responsibility to market our federal government policies, occupy the political space in their domains, and take responsibility for winning all elections in their states come 2027.“It is therefore my humble pleasure, with total humility, to Almighty God to move that this August assembly adopt and concur the position of progressive governors that Mr President carries our flag 2027 and governors take responsibility for delivering this mandate. I’m so move as a motion.”Governor Sani seconded the motion: “I rise to second the motion as ably moved by the chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, the governor of Imo state, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, that this August gathering pass a vote of confidence on our able and amiable president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a sole candidate of APC come 2027 general election.NASS Leadership Endorses Tinubu for 2027 ElectionThe leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives have expressed their full support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term, stating that the country is currently on a path of growth and progress.Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who moved the motion on Thursday during the APC National Summit at the State House banquet hall in Abuja, acknowledged that the 2023 election posed significant challenges for President Tinubu.Joined by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, among others, Akpabio expressed optimism about the future.He predicted that Tinubu would secure even more states in the 2027 elections, stating that he sees a clear shift in momentum in the President’s favour.Akpabio remarked that despite the challenges, President Tinubu is actively working to reposition Nigeria.The Senate President stated that with opposition parties, particularly the PDP, in disarray, President Tinubu should be re-elected in 2027 as the sole candidate.Akpabio’s position was fully supported by other National Assembly leaders, with no dissenting voices.APC Endorses Tinubu for 2027 Presidential RaceThe All Progressives Congress has endorsed President Bola Tinubu as its flag bearer in the 2027 presidential elections.The Party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, announced this yesterday, on behalf of its National Working Committee, at its National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.The endorsement came hours after APC governors and lawmakers cast a vote of confidence on the president and endorsed him for a second term.‘Sweep them Clean,’ Bring More Opposition Members – TinubuPresident Bola Tinubu has welcomed the gale of defections in the ruling All Progressives Congress, saying he expects more opposition party members to join his party.The President said this at the APC National Summit on Thursday in Abuja.In his speech, the President said he is happy about the wave of defections into the APC and urged the ruling party’s leadership to bring in more opposition members.President Tinubu also slammed critics who accused his government of installing a one-party state due to the recent gale of defections. He said those defecting to the APC should not be blamed because they were in a sinking ship.The President said, “You don’t blame people bailing out of a seeking ship, when they have no life jacket. I am glad of what we have and I’m expecting more to come. That’s the game. We are in a constitutional democracy; don’t forget the freedom of movement and freedom association is not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives, sweep them clean.”Earlier, the APC National Working Committee members led by the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, endorsed President Tinubu for a second term.The endorsement followed the National Assembly’s declaration of support for the President as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, moved the endorsement, which was seconded by Hon. Tajudeen Abass, the Speaker of the House of Representatives.Defect with Me to APC or Resign, Gov Eno Tells Commissioners, OthersAkwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress, APC, or resign from their positions.The directive was reportedly issued during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for the APC.Sources present at the meeting disclosed that Governor Eno made it clear that his defection should come as no surprise to any of his appointees, stating:“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century,” he said.He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the Federal Government.The governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.Nigerian Voters, not Govs ‘ll Decide Tinubu’s Fate in 2027 – WabaraOn the contrary, former Senate President and the Chairman Board of Trustees, BoT, of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has said that the Nigerian electorate, and not a few governors, will decide the fate of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.Senator Wabara was reacting to the adoption of Tinubu by APC governors as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential race.However, he commended the governors for giving the President the right of first refusal, which he acknowledged “is a global practice and tradition”. But he added that being the flag bearer of the ruling party does not translate to automatic victory at the pool.Senator Wabara recalled that in 2015, PDP’s presidential flag bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, was a sitting President but lost to the then opposition APC’s candidate.The former Senate President told the APC governors to allow President Tinubu’s work to speak for him.He said that the Nigerian masses “Who on a daily basis, feel the impact of the APC-led Federal Government, are the only ones to decide the President’s fate in 2027”.The PDP BoT Chairman argued that “it’s too early to overheat the polity with 2027 elections when INEC has not lifted the ban on campaigns.He “advised APC governors to rather concentrate on how to make life affordable for Nigerians, who are battling to survive the hardship inflicted on them by APC’s maladministration”.The former Senate President accused the APC of foisting one party system on Nigeria. He warned of the grave danger such drifting poses to the country’s democracy.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen have reportedly killed four persons, including two soldiers in a renewed attack on a community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.The latest attack had led the residents to flee to Ugbokpo headquarters of Apa LGA where they are taking refuge.
Some locals who spoke to DAILY ASSET yesterday identified the attacked communities as Ikobi which is located just a few kilometres away from Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa local government area. According to residents, the incident happened on Wednesday at about 3:30AM when the assailants invaded the community in a commando style, ambushing the soldiers who were conducting surveillance in the area and allegedly killing two of them.An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told DAILY ASSET through text message on Thursday that “The herdsmen, yesterday (Wednesday) attacked and killed four persons including two soldiers and made away with the military’s two AK47 and one SMG Gun, at Ijaha Ikobi, in Apa Local Government Area of Benue”.He gave the names of the civilian victims (Natives), who were killed to include; Ocheje Ngbede Sani and Aduba Paul Ogboyi, while names of the two soldiers killed as at the time of filing this report, were yet to be unknown.He lamented that the current security situation in Benue State called for concern of everyone and the entire Nigeria.The source insisted that both military and other paramilitary ought to have taken over the whole surrounding bushes in Apa and Agatu, to clear the insurgents and free the areas for farmers to farm peacefully.”This is a wakeup call to “Mopol 80″ stationed at Odugbo, to rise up to their responsibilities and face the criminal herders headlong and clear the bushes in Apa and Agatu axis and even other parts of zone C. Enough is enough! No one has a monopoly of violence”, he said.”We pray for the souls of the innocent farmers and Gallant Officers who were killed at Ijaha Ikobi in Apa and the souls of others, rest in peace Amen,” he added.Council’s chairman of Apa local government, Adam Ochega Ogwola confirmed the incident to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday, describing the killing of the soldiers and innocent civilians as quite disturbing.”Yes, I can confirm that two soldiers and two other civilians were killed by herders.”At about 3:30am yesterday I received a call that there was an attack in the Ikobi community and when I called some people, there was no response from them. Later I heard that two soldiers were killed. So this morning, they discovered the bodies of the two civilians.”The attack took place at Ikobi community in Apa. The situation is relatively calm now. Soldiers and police are there to carry out their investigation to ensure that normalcy returns to that community.”Because of the culture of our people, you don’t normally keep accidental dead bodies in the mortuary. We are in the period of hit and run herders. When it happens we may not allow the corpse(s) to stay beyond 24hrs. So, they have been buried while the bodies of the late soldiers have been moved from that community. But I don’t know whether they are in a mortuary in Ugbokpo or in a mortuary in Makurdi”, the chairman stated.Effort to get confirmation from the Benue State Police Command proved abortive as the spokesperson for the command, Catherine Anene could not respond to calls and texts messages as at the time of filing this report.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh cut in the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) nationwide.The new rates now range from N875 to N905 per litre, depending on location.A breakdown of the revised prices shows, Lagos: N875, South-West N885, North-East: N905, North-West & Central: N895, and South-South & South-East: N905Prices indicate a N15 reduction per litre across all regions and partner retail outlets, applying to all major fuel marketers in partnership with the refinery, including MRS, Ardova, Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde Energy.
Before the new price template, Lagos residents paid N890 per litre, while prices rose to N920 in the North East and South-South regions.Lagos residents will now pay N875, while those in the North East and South South will pay N905 per litre with the new adjustments.“Our quality petrol and diesel are refined for better engine performance and are environmentally friendly,” the company stated in the notice.The development comes after the 650,000 Lekki-based refinery on Monday said the naira-for-crude deal allowed it to reduce the price of petrol at the pumps.In a statement signed by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said the decision to maintain price stability reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigerian economy and alleviating the burden on consumers from the increase in fuel prices by maintaining price stability.The company affirmed that the prices of petrol will remain affordable and stable.
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