Defection rumours: Ex-VP Namadi Sambo back in limelight

Strong indications have emerged that former Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo may defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Observers say Sambo’s recent political posture and engagement suggest a marked shift from the reserved disposition he maintained after leaving office in 2015.

Daily Trust reports that Sambo became vice president in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. Then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office as president and selected Sambo, then governor of Kaduna State, as his deputy. They won re-election in 2011 but were defeated by APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

SPONSOR AD

Since then, Sambo has largely kept a low profile, rarely commenting on national issues. Some party leaders have observed that he has only occasionally participated in PDP affairs in the years following his exit from power. However, his recent public appearances have sparked renewed speculation.

Sambo’s renewed political overtures

On 24 May 2025, Sambo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola at his country home in Ilesa, Osun State, just hours before the coronation of the 49th Owa Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.

Atiku confirmed the visit on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, sharing a video clip of himself and Sambo in a cheerful conversation with Aregbesola. “Breakfast time at the residence of former Governor of Osun State, Engr Rauf Aregbesola,” he wrote. Although the purpose of the visit was not disclosed, political analysts say it was likely related to the 2027 elections.

Also present at the gathering were key figures in Osun APC politics, including former state chairman Lowo Adebiyi, Chairman of Omoluabi Progressives Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, former Secretary to the State Government Moshood Adeoti, and former Speaker of the House of Assembly Najeem Salaam—highlighting a strong presence from the Aregbesola camp.

Just days ago, Sambo publicly advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Finance Wale Edun to be cautious in their dealings with Dr Shamsudeen Usman, a former Minister of Budget and National Planning. Sambo described Usman as inconsistent and disloyal.

In a statement issued by his Personal Secretary, Yinka Ibrahim, Sambo dismissed Usman’s claim that the 2013 power sector privatisation was politically driven rather than based on technical or financial merit. He labelled the allegation as “false, mischievous and hypocritical,” and an attempt to discredit the Jonathan administration and the National Council on Privatisation, which he chaired.

Mixed signals within the PDP

Despite his position as a former Vice President, PDP chieftains appear divided over Sambo’s current role in the party. Speaking to Daily Trust, Hon Ibrahim Wusono said Sambo remains engaged. “Just recently, during the state executive elections, the chairman visited him. He also participated in the elections and pledged continued support for the party,” Wusono said.

“In Kaduna, whenever necessary, we reach out to him, and he supports us. That’s why we were surprised by the rumours.”

But another party leader, Hon Zubairu Shanuna, disagreed. “He does not attend PDP functions. While he hasn’t officially decamped, his actions and associates suggest otherwise. Among his allies, only Sani Sidi had not joined the APC—until recently,” Shanuna said.

“Sambo rarely participates in party activities, particularly in Kaduna. He hasn’t contributed to projects or initiatives to strengthen the party. His association with APC administrations, from El-Rufai to Governor Uba Sani, has fuelled speculation.”

Shanuna added, “He doesn’t respond to APC criticisms of the PDP or speak out against poor governance. That silence is why many believe he is already on his way to the ruling party.”

Growing proximity to APC

Sambo, a former governor of Kaduna State, has been seen increasingly in the company of APC leaders, including at events hosted by Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

His speculated defection comes amid a wave of high-profile exits from the PDP, with many of its governors and prominent figures leaving over the party’s prolonged internal crises.

Credible APC sources in Abuja confirmed to Daily Trust that the party has been courting Sambo ahead of the next general elections.

Yesterday, Sambo attended the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital in Kaduna—a project he initiated during his tenure. President Tinubu was also in attendance.

In August 2023, Governor Uba Sani visited Sambo in Abuja, followed by a condolence visit in December after the death of Sambo’s brother. Later that month, Sambo visited the governor at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in response to the Tudun Biri tragedy. Under El-Rufai, Sambo also attended the commissioning of the Zaria Water Project.

Just this week, former NEMA Director General and Sambo’s ally, Sani Sidi, defected to the APC with supporters in Kaduna—adding momentum to the defection rumours.

APC: Doors open for Sambo

In an interview with Daily Trust, APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the party would welcome Sambo if he chose to join.

“The APC is a progressive, inclusive party. We are even considering ‘automatic doors’—that is, people should be welcomed as they approach,” he said.

“If the former vice president decides to join, and abides by our constitution and democratic ethos, he will be received.”

Asked if Sambo would be allowed to run for president under the APC despite Tinubu’s incumbency, Ibrahim said: “By tradition, a serving president is given the right of first refusal. But if another candidate emerges, the process will be democratic. Sambo will be free to contest, and the party will ensure a level playing field.”

Ex-aide denies defection rumours

In a statement yesterday, Sambo’s former Media Adviser, Umar Sani, denied claims that the former vice president had defected to the APC, insisting that he remains a loyal PDP member.

“The story is entirely false and baseless,” Sani said.

He explained that a widely circulated photo of Sambo with Governor Uba Sani was being deliberately misrepresented. “The photograph was taken years ago during a condolence visit by the governor. It is now being used to mislead the public.”

The statement continued: “His attendance at the commissioning of the 300-bed hospital on Thursday, 19 June, is a matter of legacy, not politics. He initiated the project, and his presence should not be construed as partisan.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo, remains a loyal and committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party. He has no intention of joining any other political party. The defection story is a figment of the imagination of its authors, calculated to sow confusion and gain cheap political mileage,” it concluded.

When an X (formerly Twitter) user challenged Umar Sani’s authority to speak on behalf of the former vice president—citing an earlier statement that he had been disengaged—Sani responded: “Consider this: my rebuttal didn’t come early. It was significantly delayed. It was only after persistent appeals from his family that I finally agreed to respond. That should tell you something.”