Breaking: Crisis Looms as SDP Rejects Wadada’s APC Defection

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has issued a stern warning regarding the recent defection of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party asserts that Wadada remains a member of the SDP until he formally submits his resignation.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Rufus Aiyenigba, the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP, stated that Wadada has not provided an official resignation letter. Consequently, his move to the APC is considered legally questionable under the amended Electoral Act.

The SDP emphasized that dual membership is expressly prohibited and that the matter has been referred to its legal department for appropriate action. The party also highlighted that Wadada cannot retain positions designated for opposition lawmakers, such as his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, while formally aligning with the ruling party.

Wadada, who recently received the endorsement of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for the 2027 governorship race, formally announced his defection during a Senate plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

This controversy arises amidst recent amendments to the Electoral Act, which now prescribe penalties for dual party membership, including a fine of ₦10 million, a two-year imprisonment, or both.

Political analysts suggest that this development could pose significant challenges to Wadada’s gubernatorial ambitions in 2027 if the issue remains unresolved.