Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, has announced his intention to leave the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This decision stems from fundamental disagreements with some of the party’s recent entrants, most notably former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
In a candid interview with journalists at his home in Keffi, Senator Wadada expressed deep unease over El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP, highlighting that the move conflicts with the political values he personally upholds.
“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 asserted firmly.
Wadada was critical of El-Rufai’s political shift, recalling the former governor’s earlier stance supporting power rotation to the South and his significant role in championing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate.
The senator questioned El-Rufai’s sudden departure from the APC, suggesting it was motivated by personal disappointment over not securing a ministerial position rather than ideological differences.
“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 defection as driven by individual ambition instead of genuine conviction.
Expressing his broader political philosophy, Wadada emphasized that he could not associate himself with politicians who “prioritize personal gains over national interest.” This stance underscored his firm belief in loyalty and principle over self-serving actions.
To illustrate his point, Wadada contrasted El-Rufai’s conduct with that of former APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu.
He praised Adamu for his consistency and steadfastness, recalling how Adamu supported Senate President Ahmad Lawan in the APC presidential primaries.
Despite Lawan’s eventual defeat to Bola Tinubu, Adamu remained loyal to the party and chose not to defect. “That is the kind of political integrity I respect,” Wadada remarked.
On broader national concerns, Senator Wadada acknowledged the economic challenges Nigerians face following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Nonetheless, he expressed cautious optimism regarding government efforts to improve citizens’ welfare through better utilization of subsidy savings. He cited Nasarawa State as an example where such funds are visibly making a difference.
“In Nasarawa State, the impact of the oil subsidy funds is evident everywhere—even to the most gullible and the blind,” he said, commending Governor Abdullahi Sule for effectively channeling the subsidy savings toward infrastructure development and social services enhancement.
Through these reflections, Senator Wadada articulated his commitment to principled politics and effective governance, while highlighting the importance of loyalty and service to the nation.
