The political landscape in Nigeria seems to be buzzing with speculation as the 2027 general elections draw near. Recently, rumors have emerged about several high-profile political figures potentially defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), notably Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman. These rumors gained traction after a viral video showed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai visiting the SDP headquarters in Abuja, fueling the belief that he, alongside Usman, might be joining the opposition party.
Governor Alia was quick to dismiss the claims, labeling them as a deliberate attempt to create division between him and President Bola Tinubu. In a statement, Alia strongly refuted the speculation, insisting that there was no truth to the rumors of his potential move to the SDP. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and emphasized that his administration had been working diligently to strengthen the party in Benue State and build a strong relationship with the federal government.
Similarly, Senator Usman, who has been a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), also denied the accusations. While she attended an event at the SDP headquarters in Abuja to receive El-Rufai, she clarified that her presence was purely a gesture of support for his decision to align with the opposition. Usman maintained that her loyalty to the LP remained intact, underscoring that the party was committed to working with other opposition groups to ensure a strong and united opposition for the betterment of Nigeria’s democracy.
The controversy highlights the ongoing fluidity within Nigerian politics as various political figures assess their positions and alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.