“I Can’t be in thesame Party with El-Rufai” – Senator Wadada Dumps SDP
Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West in the National Assembly, has announced his exit from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable differences with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking to journalists in Keffi, Senator Wadada made it clear that El-Rufai’s recent move to the SDP was the tipping point for his decision to leave. Despite acknowledging El-Rufai as his elder, Wadada said he could not share a political platform with someone whose values he does not respect.
> “Malam El-Rufai may be my elder brother, but I cannot remain in the same party with someone who lacks political principles,” he said.
Wadada accused El-Rufai of political inconsistency, pointing out that the former Kaduna governor was once a leading voice for power rotation to the South and had vigorously supported the emergence of Bola Tinubu as president under the APC. However, Wadada believes El-Rufai’s recent defection to the SDP was driven not by ideology, but by personal disappointment after failing to secure a ministerial role.
> “What changed in President Tinubu between when El-Rufai supported him and now? His defection is not about principles—it’s about personal gain.”
In contrast, Wadada praised former APC chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu, calling him a “man of integrity” who stood by his decisions. He recalled how Adamu backed Senate President Ahmad Lawan in the APC presidential primaries, and even though Lawan lost, Adamu remained loyal to the party.
> “That’s the kind of leadership I respect—principled and consistent.”
On national issues, Senator Wadada acknowledged the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies but believes it’s a necessary sacrifice. He emphasized that the subsidy system only benefited a privileged few, while its removal has allowed state governments to access and invest the funds directly.
“For the first time, the oil money is reaching the people. In Nasarawa, the difference is clear—even the blind can feel it.”
He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for wisely channeling subsidy savings into development projects that are already making an impact across the state.
