The Social Democratic Party in Kano State has dismissed concerns over the defection of its 2023 governorship candidate, Bala Gwagwarwa, to the All Progressives Congress, while celebrating the recent entry of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and retired Major Hamza Al-Mustapha into the party.
At a press conference on Friday in Kano, the SDP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Ali Shettima, reassured members and supporters that the party remains strong and united despite Gwagwarwa’s exit.
“The party remains strong and united, despite Gwagwarwa’s exit,” Shettima stated. “His claims that he joined the APC alongside the entire structure of the party are absolutely untrue.”
Shettima emphasized that the party’s leadership at all levels continues to stay loyal to the SDP, rejecting rumors 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.
On a positive note, the SDP Chairman expressed excitement about the entrance of El-Rufai and Al-Mustapha, calling it a major boost for the party as it prepares for 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 said. “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.”
