2027: Why I dumped PDP for SDP —Ex- Assembly candidate, Ibrahim reveals 

From Abel Leonard, Lafia.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Nasarawa Eggon East State House of Assembly in the last 2023 general election, Muhammed Ibrahim has opened up on the real reasons behind his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), 

He described his defection from the PDP to SDP as timely and not as supportive as expected.

In an exclusive interview with journalists  on Wednesday, Ibrahim said his decision to leave the PDP two weeks ago was not taken in haste, but was the result of deep dissatisfaction with the party’s internal structure and lack of support during his political struggle.

According to him, despite emerging as the closest challenger in the 2023 election against Hon. Jacob Ajegana Kudu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was left to battle both the election and legal process alone.

“I was practically on my own. During the election and even after, when I went to court, there was no real support from the party. It was a lonely journey for me,” he said.

INEC results showed that Ibrahim polled 10,580 votes, coming close behind Kudu Ajegana who secured 11,114 votes to win the seat.

He insisted that he believed strongly in his victory and went ahead to challenge the outcome at the election tribunal up to the Appeal Court, but the judgment did not go in his favour.

“I took the matter to the tribunal and even to the Appeal Court because I believed I won that election. But the court has the final say, and I had to accept it,” he stated.

Ibrahim, however, expressed pain that while other PDP candidates reportedly enjoyed support during their legal battles, his case was handled differently.

“I had what I consider a very clean case, yet I did not get the kind of backing others got. I was even among those financing the party, but when it mattered most, I stood alone,” he added.

Speaking on his move to the SDP, Ibrahim said the presence of credible and respected political figures in the party played a major role in his decision.

“What attracted me to SDP is the calibre of people there. You have individuals with integrity and courage who have built their names over time,” he said.

He particularly pointed to the entry of former Minister of Information, Hon. Labaran Maku, describing it as a major boost to the party’s strength and credibility in Nasarawa State.

“When you talk about strong voices in Nasarawa politics, you cannot ignore Labaran Maku. He is a man known for speaking the truth and standing firm. His presence in SDP gives a lot of confidence,” Ibrahim noted.

He also mentioned other figures like Hon. Gbeifi Gaza, saying their involvement shows that the party is gradually becoming a force to reckon with in Nasarawa North.

Reflecting on the roots of the SDP in the area, Ibrahim paid tribute to the late Godiya Akwashiki, whom he described as a courageous leader who laid the foundation for the party’s growth.

“Late Akwashiki brought this party to our zone and built it with courage. The party has continued to grow from that foundation. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Ibrahim expressed optimism that with the current crop of leaders, the SDP would be driven by transparency, fairness and internal democracy.

“With what I am seeing, there will be sanity in the system. People will be given equal opportunity, and that is what I have been looking for,” he added.

The former PDP candidate also confirmed his intention to contest again for the Nasarawa Eggon East seat under the SDP platform, saying he now feels more comfortable and accepted.

“This is where I feel at home. I will contest again under SDP, and by God’s grace, things will be different,” he declared.

He called on his supporters to join him in the new party, pledging his full commitment to its growth and success.

“I am calling on my supporters to come along with me. I will give my full support to the party in every way possible so that together we can build something better,” Ibrahim said.