Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has dismissed rumors of his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), reiterating his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, Lawan described the speculation as “entirely false, baseless, and without any merit.”
“For the record, throughout his illustrious political career spanning 25 years as a member of the National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Lawan is one of Nigeria’s few politicians with no defection record since inception.
“In 1999, he was elected into the House of Representatives; and transitioned to the Senate in 2007, on the platform of the All People’s Party, which was later renamed ‘All Nigeria People’s Party.
“The ANPP was amongst the three minority parties that merged to birth the All Progressives Congress on 6th February, 2013,” the statement read.
Lawan emphasized his long-standing commitment to the APC, noting that he has remained consistent in his political affiliations and has played a significant role in shaping the party.
He pledged to continue working alongside the party’s leadership to promote its policies and objectives.
The statement also reaffirmed Lawan’s support for Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence in their leadership and governance strategies.
“We urge the general public, party members, and supporters to disregard these unfounded rumours and posters, as they are nothing but the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to create unnecessary distractions and buzz for a mapped-out political agenda.
“Senator Ahmad Lawan remains focused on his responsibilities as a lawmaker and a leader, and he is committed to supporting the APC-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in delivering good governance and sustainable development to all Nigerians,” the statement added.
Lawan called on his supporters to remain steadfast, assuring them of his unwavering loyalty to the APC as he continues to work towards a more progressive Nigeria.
Similarly, former Jigawa State Governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, Sule Lamido, has rejected calls by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for opposition leaders to join the SDP.
El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the APC to the SDP, made the appeal during an interview with BBC Hausa, inviting political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join him in the party.
Although El-Rufai did not directly mention Lamido, the former Jigawa governor responded in a separate BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, dismissing the invitation as an insult.
“The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai.
“You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP,” Lamido said.
He also took a swipe at El-Rufai’s previous remarks about political leadership in Nigeria.
“He once said that there are no adults in Nigeria in politics, but now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP.”
Lamido questioned El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC and his reasoning for joining the SDP.
“He said he told President Buhari about his decision to leave the APC, but now he is saying that he is one of the adults in Nigerian politics,” Lamido stated.
He further emphasized his long-standing commitment to the PDP, arguing that the party had done nothing to warrant his defection.
“If I was going to leave the PDP, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed,” he said.
The former governor also criticized El-Rufai’s leadership approach, arguing that true leadership requires patience and selflessness.
“Leadership is done with patience and vision, and doing things for the peace of the followers and the country as a whole,” Lamido said.
He advised El-Rufai to prioritize patriotism over personal grievances, stating, “What should be done is to put patriotism first, instead of showing anger towards someone.”
Lamido reaffirmed that the PDP remains focused on rebuilding and strengthening itself after its loss in the 2015 presidential election.
