A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu controls the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the ruling party.
El-Rufai’s move to the SDP has intensified political debates ahead of the 2027 general election, with speculations about his presidential ambition. His defection reportedly stems from internal disputes and alleged unhealthy control within the APC.
Reacting to the development, Igbokwe, in a series of posts on his official Facebook page, warned politicians eyeing the SDP platform for the next election to recognize Tinubu’s influence over the party.
“If indeed SDP is still alive and kicking in Nigeria, then know the truth and have inner peace: PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu) is the owner. Ignore him to your own peril,” Igbokwe wrote.
He further linked Tinubu’s political history to the SDP, recalling that the President was a senator under the party during the 1993 election, when the late Chief MKO Abiola contested for the presidency.
“President Tinubu was a Senator under SDP in 1993. Go and investigate and verify. He is the owner of SDP,” Igbokwe reiterated.
El-Rufai’s defection has sparked reactions within political circles, with some analysts interpreting it as a strategic move to challenge Tinubu’s dominance in 2027.
Meanwhile, APC leaders in Kaduna have downplayed the impact of his exit, insisting that the party remains solid in the state.
The former governor has yet to officially respond to Igbokwe’s claims, but sources close to him suggest he is rallying support for a broader political movement ahead of the next election cycle.
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