I’m not joining APC – Bafarawa

Former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has clarified that he is not defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), even as his supporters under the Bafarawa Akida Movement formally align with the ruling party in Sokoto State.

Bafarawa made the clarification following a statewide consultative meeting of elders and leaders of the movement from the 23 local government areas of the state, which resolved to work with the APC-led administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

“I am not joining the APC. My supporters have taken their decision after consultations, and I respect their right to align with any political platform of their choice,” Bafarawa said.

He said the decision by his supporters was based on their assessment of political developments in the state and the performance of the current administration, stressing that it should not be misconstrued as his personal defection.

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“I have always believed in allowing people to freely make decisions that concern their political future,” he said. “This move is theirs, not mine.”

Bafarawa noted that his political philosophy has consistently emphasised consultation, inclusiveness and respect for democratic choice, adding that the elders’ meeting reflected the views of his followers across the state.

According to him, his supporters had earlier withdrawn from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) due to internal challenges, but maintained their political structure while engaging in consultations on their next political direction.

He dismissed speculations linking the move to 2027 political calculations or external pressure, describing such claims as unfounded.

“This is not about 2027 or any hidden agenda. It is about people making choices based on their understanding of governance and political realities,” he said.

Leaders of the Bafarawa Akida Movement later confirmed that the resolution of the elders effectively translates into a formal defection of the group from the PDP to the APC, with arrangements underway to complete necessary party procedures.