Politics

In a dramatic political development, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and imposed a 30-year ban on him from participating in any party-related activities. The decision was announced on Monday through a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, in Abuja. According to the statement, the party accused El-Rufai of impersonating a member, forging party documents, and attempting to destabilize the SDP through unconstitutional and deceptive political maneuvers. The NWC said it acted after a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s membership claims and activities, which it said threatened the party’s unity and integrity. Read Also: Ganduje’s Enduring Relevance: A Political Legacy That Transcends Tenure “El-Rufai never registered at his ward as required by the party’s constitution but falsely declared on social media that he had joined the SDP,” the statement said. “He went further to forge membership documents and appeared in photo sessions with suspended party officials to reinforce this falsehood.” The party noted that El-Rufai’s actions initially prompted congratulatory messages from party leaders and even a letter of support from the National Publicity Secretary. However, investigations later confirmed that the former governor was never a registered member of the SDP in Kaduna State. The NWC also accused El-Rufai of aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while trying to drag the SDP into an unapproved coalition. The party described this as a violation of its principles and an act of bad faith. “Having confirmed that he declared for ADC and continued to act contrary to the principles of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate from him,” the statement added. As a result, the party declared El-Rufai ineligible to associate with the SDP in any capacity for the next 30 years. It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to take note that he is not a member and cannot speak or act on behalf of the party. The SDP reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and national development, encouraging prospective members to join the party through legal and transparent means. El-Rufai had recently announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a growing disconnect between his personal values and the party’s direction. He had claimed to have defected to the SDP, a move now rejected by the party.

Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner and current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has reportedly emerged as the leading contender to become the next National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to reports by The Sun newspaper. Though an official announcement is yet to be made, sources revealed that Yilwatda’s emergence followed behind-the-scenes consultations involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC governors during a closed-door meeting held at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday night. His likely emergence is expected to bring an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the leadership of the ruling party, following the resignation of the immediate past National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who stepped down citing health reasons. Read Also: Why Ganduje Still Matters: A Power Bloc Too Strategic to Ignore A member of the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke anonymously, said the party is tilting toward a candidate with a “more democratic outlook” rather than a traditional political heavyweight. The source added that Yilwatda’s consideration was also influenced by the desire to ensure religious balance within the party’s leadership structure. Yilwatda, who contested the 2023 Plateau State governorship election under the APC platform, currently serves as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. He previously served as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State following his appointment in 2017. He hails from Dungung in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State and was born on August 8, 1968. An engineer by training, he is registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and is a member of several professional associations including the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Solar Society of Nigeria. If confirmed, Yilwatda’s elevation would mark a significant shift in the party’s leadership dynamics, combining technocratic experience with political exposure.

Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, and made available on Monday. Babangida also debunked earlier reports circulating online which claimed he had turned down the appointment. He described the claims as false and malicious, saying they were deliberately fabricated to mislead the public and smear the image of the Tinubu administration. Read Also: Kano Gets Major Slots in Tinubu’s New Appointments “We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the Federal Government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence placed in him,” the statement read in part. The statement further assured the public that those responsible for the misinformation would be investigated and brought to book. “We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation,” it added. The statement reiterated with a call on Nigerians to remain discerning and verify information from credible sources. Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic roles recently approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across critical government institutions.

The Director General of The Progressive Institute (TPI), Abuja, Dr. Lanre Adebayo, has linked the rising insecurity in Nigeria to the irresponsible speeches and conduct of some political leaders, particularly from opposition parties. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Wale Abideen, Head of Media Unit of the Institute. Speaking during an interactive session with civil society activists, media professionals, and political stakeholders in his office, Dr. Adebayo said many politicians fail to draw the line between electioneering and governance, often spreading false narratives just to score political points. Read Also: How Ganduje Turned APC into a Winning Machine, by Umar Idris Shuaibu He expressed concern over research findings that revealed how certain community crises were sparked by inflammatory remarks made by politicians and community leaders. He therefore called for caution, urging political, community, and religious leaders to desist from inciting their followers into violence. Dr. Adebayo emphasized the need for pragmatic, constructive criticism from opinion leaders to help sustain peace and stability in the country. On policy direction, the TPI Director General revealed that the APC Think Tank would soon present a 3-day midterm review of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in its sectoral form. “The TPI Midterm Review is to provide a platform that will project the government in its real sense. It’s a window to boost the government’s image. The program will carry out an exhibition of government achievements. We’re carrying out a sector-by-sector scorecard of the President,” he said. He added that the review will include an analysis of campaign promises versus actual performance in the last two years. Dr. Adebayo also raised concerns about the absence of strong ideological foundations among political parties in Africa. He encouraged Nigerian politicians to uphold democratic values and develop distinct identities for their parties. “TPI is currently working on strengthening the APC ideology to provide a clear direction and sense of identity for the party,” he added.