Olusegun Ariyo
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kano State has described the recent entry of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and retired Major Hamza Al-Mustapha into the party as a major boost to its strength and prospects.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano on Friday, the SDP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Ali Shettima, expressed optimism that the development would enhance the party’s structure and appeal ahead of future elections.
“We are excited to welcome former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and retired Major Hamza Al-Mustapha into our great party, the SDP,” Shettima stated.
“We regard their entry as a significant boost to our party’s membership as we are making efforts to strengthen its structure and prepare for future elections.”
He dismissed concerns that the party had been weakened by the recent defection of its 2023 governorship candidate, Bala Gwagwarwa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The party remains strong and united, despite Gwagwarwa’s exit,” Shettima said.
“His claims that he joined the APC alongside the entire structure of the party are absolutely untrue.”
He further emphasized that SDP executives at all levels remain loyal to the party, rejecting speculations that local government and ward chairmen had followed Gwagwarwa to the APC.
“As you have seen, our party executives, including the Director-General of Gwagwarwa’s campaign, are still with us. The claims that they all left with him are false. He left alone,” Shettima insisted.
