Tinubu Owns SDP, APC Chieftain Claims Amid El-Rufai’s Defection
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has stirred controversy with his claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu owns the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, announced his exit from the ruling party on Monday, citing its failure to address critical internal issues and uphold its founding principles. He declared his intention to join the SDP, fueling speculations about political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to El-Rufai’s defection, Igbokwe took to his Facebook page to assert that Tinubu remains the true owner of the SDP.
“If indeed SDP is still alive and kicking in Nigeria, then know the truth and have inner peace: PBAT is the owner. Ignore him to your own peril,” he wrote.
Referencing history, Igbokwe reminded Nigerians that Tinubu was a senator under the SDP during the 1993 elections, stating, “Go and investigate and verify. He is the owner of SDP.”
His comments come amid growing concerns over the APC’s internal crisis, with opposition figures working to unite against the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.