Ahead of 2027: Fayemi, Aregbesola, and Malami Poised to Dump APC for SDP

Key APC Founders Reportedly Planning Defection to SDP

Several founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are reportedly preparing to leave the party for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), barring any last-minute changes. This potential defection could significantly impact the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among those expected to defect are former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu. Sources suggest that a few other prominent APC members may also be part of the move.

The development follows the defection of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who officially joined the SDP earlier today. El-Rufai’s departure from the APC had been speculated for weeks, and his switch to the SDP now appears to be part of a broader political realignment.

While the exact reasons behind the planned defections remain unclear, there are strong indications that they are linked to efforts to form a third-force coalition. The goal of this coalition, sources say, is to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Dissatisfaction with the current APC leadership and internal party disagreements may also be contributing factors.

The APC, which was formed in 2013 through the merger of several opposition parties, has faced growing internal tensions in recent months. Some party members have expressed concerns about the direction of the party under Tinubu’s leadership, particularly regarding governance decisions and political appointments. The planned defections, if they materialize, could further deepen the divisions within the ruling party.

The Social Democratic Party, historically known for its role in Nigeria’s 1993 presidential elections, has been attempting to position itself as a viable alternative to the APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The recent influx of high-profile politicians could bolster its credibility ahead of the next general election.

Political analysts believe that the defection of key APC figures to the SDP could alter the dynamics of the 2027 election. If the defectors unite under a common platform, they could pose a serious challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid. However, it remains to be seen whether the SDP can provide a strong enough structure to accommodate these new entrants and mobilize nationwide support.

For now, there has been no official statement from Fayemi, Aregbesola, Malami, or Adamu confirming their intentions to leave the APC. The ruling party has also not issued a formal response to these reports. However, if these defections proceed as expected, they could signal a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming years.