Former APC Scribe in Adamawa Defects to SDP, Cites Ideological Shift and Governance Concerns

A staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Hon. Wafari Theman, has officially defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Theman, a former Chief Scribe of the APC in the state and an ex-lawmaker who represented Hong Constituency in the State Assembly between 2011 and 2015, announced his decision while addressing journalists in Yola recently.

He stated that his move was driven by a search for a better platform to propel his ambition of entrenching good governance, ideals he claimed the APC has abandoned.

“The APC has deviated from the ideas of its founding fathers that brought it to power and limelight, hence my decision to dump the party,” Theman declared.

Highlighting the symbolic significance of his departure date, Theman revealed he left the APC on Democracy Day, June 12, 2023. He said the date reminded him of Nigeria’s democratic struggles and marked a personal turning point towards focusing on human capital development in his political engagements.

Reflecting on his legislative tenure, the former gubernatorial aspirant under the APC recalled convening a major economic summit that attracted over 200 participants, showcasing his long-standing focus on development issues.

Speaking on his new political home, Theman described the SDP as a “dominant force in the early nineties” that produced many of Nigeria’s leading political figures. He expressed confidence in the party’s ongoing repositioning in Adamawa, particularly in building robust grassroots structures.

On the principles of leadership, Theman emphasized “inclusiveness, openness, and resilience” as key to forging genuine partnerships with citizens.

While his immediate political ambition remains officially unstated, Theman did not rule out a bid for the Dougirei Government House, the Adamawa State top seat.

“Even though the coming weeks will reveal my political ambition, contesting the Dougirei house top seat in Adamawa state is not ruled out,” he concluded, setting the stage for potential heightened political activity in the state.

The defection is seen as a notable blow to the APC’s ranks in Adamawa and a boost for the SDP, which is working to re-establish itself as a formidable force in the state’s political landscape.