The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, stating categorically that he is not a member of the party and has no authority to speak or act on its behalf.

Addressing a press conference on Friday in Kaduna, the Zonal Secretary of the North-West Zone, Inuwa Idris, made the party’s position clear.

“It has come to our attention that Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has taken it upon himself to appear in various fora, including policy dialogues, stakeholder engagements, and even private strategy meetings purporting to speak on behalf of the Social Democratic Party,” Idris said.

He emphasized that El-Rufai has never been granted permission to represent the party in any form.

“Let this be made unequivocally clear to all: Malam El-Rufa’i is not authorised, mandated, or recognised by the SDP in any capacity to represent its interests, articulate its positions, or speak on its behalf.”

“His actions were carried out entirely without the knowledge, consent, or approval of the party’s national leadership including our dynamic acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar, among others.”

Idris further clarified that El-Rufai’s name is not listed in the party’s membership records. He also noted that the former governor has never participated in any SDP programme nor received any appointment or mandate at any level.

The Zonal Secretary reaffirmed the party’s leadership structure, citing Dr. Sadiq Umar, Chief Olu Agunloye (National Secretary), and Prince Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, as the only recognized national figures.

He warned the public and political stakeholders to ignore any statements issued by El-Rufai under the SDP name.

Idris also took aim at Dr. Umar Ardo, accusing him of working to promote another party while using the SDP platform.

“We pass a vote of no confidence on Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i. We call for the immediate suspension of Dr. Umar Ardo from SDP, as he is now a known promoter of a new political party, the ADC. Resorting to the use of the SDP platform is the height of desperation and a crass display of failure in political brinkmanship.”

He warned that impersonation of the party would not be tolerated and suggested disciplinary measures were forthcoming.

“Let this serve as a final warning for them. Desist from your fraudulent activities.”

“Any further impersonation or we will be compelled to call for a special committee by the powers of NEC to look into these matters with a view of publishing all the misdeeds across all available platforms.”

Idris reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency and announced that all future policy discussions or collaborations must go through officially recognized party representatives, whose identities are available on request.

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed it turned down an alleged move by Governor Ademola Adeleke to join its ranks, branding him a political liability and accusing him of running a corrupt administration.

The statement from the party followed Governor Adeleke’s endorsement alongside 27 chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of President Bola Tinubu as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The endorsement, according to the PDP caucus, was based partly on Tinubu’s Osun roots.

The PDP leadership, in a communiqué released after a caucus meeting, disclosed that Governor Adeleke had dropped his defection plan after meeting stiff resistance from both his party and the APC.

Nonetheless, the group reaffirmed their support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Reacting to these developments, Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, issued a sharp rebuke of the governor’s purported move, accusing him of seeking political refuge out of fear of losing the 2026 governorship race.

“We state first of all that the highly informed Osun public aware that it was the fear of an impending 2026 election defeat that motivated the governor to desperately seek asylum in our party for political survival are excited by the treatment meted out to Governor Adeleke and his desperate loyalists,” Lawal said.

He further accused Adeleke’s government of incompetence and corruption, claiming it had alienated honest and visionary leaders from the PDP.

“We state first of all that the highly informed Osun public… are excited by the treatment meted out to Governor Adeleke and his desperate loyalists,” Lawal reiterated.

Describing the state administration as a “leprous house,” Lawal alleged that Adeleke had reduced the PDP to a hollow structure lacking integrity.

“Since 2023, when the PDP began to morally collapse and became the private loot of the Adeleke dynasty, individuals with integrity and vision have been leaving the tattered umbrella for the APC,” he said.

He accused the governor of imposing exorbitant fees on students at the University of Ilesa, with figures reaching N1.5 million per session.

Lawal also alleged that Adeleke had spent N13 billion on luxury vehicles for aides, defrauded thousands of teacher job applicants, and mismanaged close to N1 trillion within 30 months in office.

“Political parties are, by nature, open to entry and exit. However, when such an entry threatens the public image of the party or risks creating a perception crisis, the party is within its rights to deny such entry as was the case with Adeleke,” Lawal argued.

He emphasized that no endorsement or alliance would protect the governor from electoral defeat in 2026, asserting the APC’s readiness to reclaim control of the state.

“The governor’s support for President Tinubu would not shield him from defeat in the 2026 governorship election,” he declared.

Former presidential candidate and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced the defection of thousands of members from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the NNPP in Kano State.

The political event, held at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano on Thursday, marked a significant boost for the NNPP ahead of future elections. Kwankwaso shared the update via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Yesterday was a momentous occasion, as I received thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP),” he posted.

While addressing the new party members during the reception ceremony, Kwankwaso extended a warm welcome and pledged inclusiveness within the party ranks.

“Speaking during the event at my residence in Kano, I welcomed the new members into our party and I promised them equitable treatment and cooperation,” he stated.

Kwankwaso emphasized that the leadership in Kano under Governor Abba Yusuf who is also of the NNPP continues to attract people from opposition camps into the party.

“The distinguished leadership style in Kano and our political leadership keep attracting more people into our fold, and I encourage those considering joining to do so without any hesitation,” he added.

The Presidency has responded to recent comments made by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, rejecting claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has neglected Northern Nigeria.

According to the Presidency, the region is experiencing substantial federal investment across multiple sectors.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had accused the Tinubu administration of favouring the South, citing worsening poverty, insecurity, and poor infrastructure in the North.

Speaking during a constitutional stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, Kwankwaso referenced a personal experience: a road journey from Abuja to Kano due to a cancelled flight, which he said highlighted the poor condition of infrastructure in the region.

In a swift response, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described the allegations as “incorrect and misleading.”

Posting on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Dare outlined several federal projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to Northern development.

He cited critical infrastructure initiatives, including:

Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway

Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway

Kano–Kongolam Road

Kaduna–Jos Road

Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway

In addition, Dare pointed to major railway projects such as the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines, and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro system.

On energy, he mentioned key developments like the 614km Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Gwagwalada Power Plant, and planned solar power projects in Kaduna State.

Dare also addressed progress in the agricultural sector, noting:

“The $158.15 million Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme is active in nine Northern states, and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project spans Bauchi and Gombe states.”

He added that under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, the government is set to restore one million hectares of degraded land in the North.

Healthcare investments were also highlighted, including facility upgrades at:

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Zaria)

University of Jos Teaching Hospital

Federal Medical Centre, Nguru

Dare revealed that over 1,000 primary health centres are currently being revitalised in northern communities.

Joining the conversation, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasised the balanced distribution of government programmes:

“The President is not playing politics with development. His footprint is visible across all zones, especially in areas historically underserved,” Alausa said.

Despite the government’s claims, skepticism lingers among residents.

In Katsina, community leader Aminu Bello voiced doubts about the real impact on ordinary people:

“These projects sound impressive, but many of us are yet to feel the impact. People are still hungry and insecure. We want to see the benefits, not just hear about them,” he said.

President Tinubu

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as Nigeria’s leader was not merely political but divinely orchestrated.

His comments came during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South East zonal stakeholders’ meeting held at the International Conference Centre in Abakaliki.

Addressing party leaders and stakeholders, Nwifuru declared that Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election surpassed political calculations and expectations because it was “ordained by God.”

“God chose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be president of Nigeria contrary to the wishes and expectations of the opposition in 2023,” the governor said.

“God ignored others who contested on religious sentiments because God sees the heart of everybody. That is why He brought Tinubu.”

He noted that no alliance formed by the opposition could undermine Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027, especially in the South East.

According to him, Tinubu’s courage in taking bold decisions demonstrates the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.

“Those who based their campaigns on religious sentiments were bypassed by divine design because God saw the heart of everyone,” Nwifuru added.

Describing Tinubu’s leadership as divinely inspired, the governor commended the administration’s ongoing economic reforms and their growing impact on the lives of Nigerians.

“Tinubu’s ability to take bold and sometimes tough decisions sets him apart as the kind of leader the country needs at this critical time.”

He called on the people of the South East to maintain strong support for the president, stressing that such backing would help the region benefit more from federal initiatives.

“Our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is at home in Ebonyi State. We must be tolerant to divergent views and opinions and join Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to succeed and complete his tenure.”

While advocating for constructive political engagement, Nwifuru warned against divisive and narrow political agendas, calling instead for unity within the APC.

Also speaking at the meeting, the state APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Emegha, reiterated the party’s readiness to expand its reach and defeat the opposition in future elections.

He praised party members for their steadfastness and commitment and urged continued efforts to build the APC’s strength at every level.

“We remain determined to grow stronger and more united. The future belongs to APC,” Emegha said.

The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious external borrowing plan for 2025–2026, which includes loans totaling $21.8 billion, €2.1 billion, ¥15 billion, and a €65 million grant.

The funds are intended to support key infrastructure and development programmes across various sectors.

In addition to the external borrowing plan, the Senate also approved a domestic bond issuance worth ₦757.98 billion.

This bond is aimed at settling outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), bringing long-awaited relief to retirees.

The approval, however, did not come without heated debate.

Lawmakers raised concerns about the sustainability of Nigeria’s ballooning debt profile, which now exceeds ₦121 trillion, with over $43 billion in external obligations.

Debt servicing currently consumes more than 90% of federal revenues.

Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) warned that the borrowings would burden future generations.

“Generations after us will continue to pay these loans. I’ve gone through the documents and cannot find a clear repayment plan,” he said.

Supporters of the plan, such as Senators Adetokunbo Abiru and Finance Committee Chair Sani Musa, argued that the loans offer flexible terms and are tied to growth-oriented projects.

Also approved was Tinubu’s request to raise about $2 billion from the domestic market via a Foreign Currency-Denominated Instrument Local Issuance Programme.

Backed by Executive Order No. 16 of 2023, the initiative allows the Debt Management Office (DMO) to access dollar liquidity within Nigeria without increasing pressure on external reserves.

According to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, chaired by Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the borrowings are earmarked for high-impact projects in infrastructure, health, education, power, water supply, and the digital economy.

Supporters say the plan prioritizes job creation, economic growth, and foreign exchange inflows, distinguishing it from past borrowing sprees.

“This isn’t reckless borrowing,” a committee member stated. “It’s a strategic investment.”

Meanwhile, the Senate has scheduled a special session to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The tribute comes after his recent passing and will reflect on his contributions to national development.

Last week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) also held a memorial session in Buhari’s honour.

In another development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismissed social media claims that the Constitution Review Committee had approved the creation of new states.

He clarified that although over 42 proposals had been submitted, none had completed the legislative process.

Akpabio urged Nigerians to rely on official information from the National Assembly and cautioned communities against premature mobilisation or agitation over unverified statehood claims.