Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West in the Nigerian Senate, has announced his resignation from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing disagreements with newcomers to the party.
In an exclusive discussion with journalists in Keffi yesterday, Senator Wadada notably mentioned Malam Nasir El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna State, as a major reason for his decision.
He stated that, while El-Rufai is his elder brother, he cannot remain in the same party with someone whose political ideals he does not support.
“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,” Senator Wadada said.
He criticised El-Rufai’s political change, pointing out that El-Rufai was formerly a staunch supporter of power rotation to the South and was instrumental in the rise of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both as the APC flagbearer and then as President. However, Wadada expressed dismay that El-Rufai left the APC for the SDP, citing his inability to get a ministerial position as the sole reason.
He described the defection as motivated by selfish goals, emphasising that he cannot deal with people who prioritise personal ambition over group interests.
The lawmaker contrasted El-Rufai’s actions with those of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, whom he described as a consistent and principled leader.
Wadada remembered how, before the 2023 APC primaries, Senator Adamu backed Senator Ahmad Lawan as the party’s presidential nominee. Despite Lawan’s defeat to Bola Tinubu, Adamu stayed faithful to the APC and stood by his decision without defecting, which Wadada praised as a demonstration of honesty.
Senator Wadada, speaking on the state of the nation, acknowledged the economic hardships caused by the termination of gasoline subsidies. However, he voiced confidence, stating that governments at all levels are working to improve residents’ well-being.
He emphasised that under the subsidy scheme, only a few people benefitted. Following its abolition, funding is now provided directly to state governments for development initiatives. He praised Governor Abdullahi Sule for properly using subsidy savings to advance Nasarawa State’s development.
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