Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, has indicated plans to resign from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable ideological differences with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday in Keffi, Wadada declared that he cannot continue in the same political party with El-Rufai, who recently joined the SDP.
While acknowledging a personal relationship with El-Rufai, whom he referred to as “elder brother,” the senator stated clearly that political alignment between them is no longer tenable. “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 told journalists.
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The senator questioned El-Rufai’s political consistency and ideological commitment, pointing to the former governor’s shifting stances over time. Wadada recalled how El-Rufai was a vocal advocate for power rotation to the South and played a key role in the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
However, Wadada expressed disapproval over what he described as El-Rufai’s sudden switch to the SDP following his unsuccessful bid for a ministerial appointment. He argued that such a move was more opportunistic than principled and signaled a lack of ideological stability.
According to Wadada, genuine political engagement should be driven by convictions and not by personal ambition or failed expectations. He contrasted El-Rufai’s actions with the stance of former APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu, whom he praised for maintaining loyalty and commitment to his political choice despite setbacks.
“I respect people who stand by their beliefs even when it is inconvenient,” Wadada said. “Senator Abdullahi Adamu remained loyal to his decision during the APC primaries and did not jump ship when things didn’t go his way. That’s the kind of politics I respect—principled, not opportunistic.”
Although he did not officially announce his resignation from the SDP during the briefing, his comments made it clear that his departure from the party is imminent. He implied that sharing the same political platform with El-Rufai is out of the question due to their contrasting views on leadership and political conduct.
Wadada also spoke on national economic matters, voicing cautious optimism about Nigeria’s future despite ongoing challenges. He acknowledged the widespread hardship brought about by the removal of fuel subsidies, a move that has led to inflation and economic pressure for many citizens.
Nevertheless, he lauded Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for what he described as transparent and effective use of subsidy savings. According to Wadada, the state government has made visible improvements in infrastructure and social welfare through judicious allocation of the funds.
“In Nasarawa State, the impact of the oil subsidy funds is visible everywhere—even to the most gullible and the blind,” he said. His remarks appeared aimed at reinforcing the idea that, while national challenges remain, some state governments are demonstrating responsible leadership.
Senator Wadada’s remarks mark a significant moment in intra-party dynamics within the SDP. His dissatisfaction with El-Rufai’s inclusion may trigger further debate over the party’s direction and internal cohesion. If he proceeds with his resignation, it will underscore growing tensions within the SDP as it accommodates new figures with varied political backgrounds and aspirations.
For now, Wadada remains a member of the SDP, but his comments suggest that a formal exit is likely in the near future. The senator’s decision will be closely watched, especially as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the next electoral cycle.
