‘What’s SDP?’, Uba Sani knocks coalition talks
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state says he is not bothered about a coalition to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pushed for a coalition since 2023, the recent defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reignited […]
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Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state says he is not bothered about a coalition to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pushed for a coalition since 2023, the recent defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reignited discussions for an opposition coalition.
After his defection, El-Rufai called on opposition leaders, including Atiku, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), to unite.
That push has continued to make headlines in the country in the past months, but governor Uba, while speaking in an interview with TRUST TV questioned the motive of those behind it.
He said: “Yes, and I’m giving you an example from my understanding of politics. SDP? Let’s be frank and sincere—what is the SDP today?
“When we talk about mergers, we must define what we mean. Is it a merger for grabbing power, or is it for working in the interest of the people? That’s a key distinction.
“If a merger aims to transform Nigeria, then I’d be concerned. But if it’s just about seizing power, I can tell you Nigerians are very smart. They’re wise and they know the antecedents of everyone. That’s why I’m not bothered by this so-called merger talk. And let me tell you why.”
The governor said criticism of government should be rooted in the interest of the people, not driven by a quest for power.
“Every democracy must allow criticism, but it must be constructive, and in the interest of the Nigerian people. That’s what we did as activists — not because we wanted power.
“But when you attack the government and you’ve been part of it… Anyone — like I said — who is from northern Nigeria and held a political office in the last 20 years, we all need to look at ourselves in the mirror and apologise to the people of northern Nigeria. We let them down,” he said.