Only recently, Nasir El-Rufai, the previous governor of Kaduna State, have left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Celebration (SDP) forward of the 2027 elections. 

His resignation from the ruling occasion and defection to SDP on March 10, 2025, has brought on waves in Nigerian politics. El-Rufai, recognized for his outspoken criticism of the APC, has expressed dissatisfaction with the occasion’s management. As he joins the SDP, many are actually questioning which key politicians from the occasion he might workforce up with to problem the APC within the coming elections.

Listed here are the outstanding SDP politicians who might align with El-Rufai to make a critical bid to take away the APC from energy:

Solomon Dalung

Solomon Dalung isn’t any stranger to Nigerian politics. A lawyer, educational, and former Minister of Youth and Sports activities from 2015 to 2019, Dalung has a protracted historical past of public service. 

After serving because the chairman of Langtang South native authorities and in varied roles inside the Nigerian Prisons Service and the College of Jos, Dalung switched to the SDP in 2022, forward of the 2023 elections. Though he didn’t win his seat within the Home of Representatives, Dalung stays a robust critic of the APC authorities. 

His vocal opposition to the APC, alongside along with his expertise in management roles, makes him a robust ally for El-Rufai as they work collectively to dismantle the APC’s maintain on energy.

Shehu Musa Gabam

Shehu Musa Gabam is one other key determine within the SDP who might be a part of forces with El-Rufai. Gabam, who’s presently the nationwide chairman of the SDP, is a educated political scientist. 

He holds each a level from the College of Abuja and a grasp’s diploma in worldwide affairs from the Nigerian Defence Academy. Gabam’s expertise within the political enviornment, mixed along with his management function inside the SDP, offers him the potential to play a key half in organizing and mobilizing the occasion’s efforts to problem the APC. 

His deep political data and management expertise might show invaluable on this pursuit.

Murtala Ajaka

Murtala Ajaka, the SDP’s candidate within the Kogi State governorship election of November 2023, is one other politician who might be a part of El-Rufai within the combat in opposition to the APC. Though Ajaka got here second within the race behind Usman Ododo of the APC, his robust efficiency and the help he garnered present that he has a stable base. 

Ajaka’s expertise working for workplace, mixed along with his loyalty to the SDP, makes him a invaluable participant in El-Rufai’s efforts to weaken the APC’s grip on energy, particularly within the essential state elections.

Adewole Adebayo

Adewole Adebayo, a outstanding public affairs commentator and media entrepreneur from Ondo State, ran for president below the SDP within the 2023 elections. Though he didn’t win, Adebayo’s affect and willpower to make a distinction in Nigeria’s political panorama stay robust. 

His focus has now shifted to the 2027 elections, and he’s more likely to proceed taking part in an essential function within the SDP’s technique. Adebayo’s media presence and his capacity to talk on to the folks may very well be a big asset as El-Rufai works to construct a broad coalition to tackle the APC.