Has Former Sokoto Governor Bafarawa Joined APC? Fact Emerges
- Former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has denied joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
- According to him, although he was a founding member of the APC, he withdrew because of issues that arose during the party’s formation
- The ex-governor added that misconceptions about his alleged APC membership likely arose because some of his supporters had joined the governing party
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Sokoto, Sokoto State - Ahead of the 2027 elections, Attahiru Bafarawa, a former governor of Sokoto State, has denied joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
As reported by The Punch, Bafarawa, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in January 2025, stated this in a statement on Thursday, December 18.
Source: Twitter
Leadership also highlighted Bafarawa's clarification.
The 71-year-old APC founding member reiterated why he disengaged himself from the ruling national party.
His words:
“Let me state, without equivocation, that I have not joined the APC and have no intention of joining the party whatsoever. I also have no intention of joining any other political party. It should be recalled that I, on the 8th of January, 2025, resigned my membership of the PDP.
“I did not just leave the former ruling party; I declared then that my decision was informed by my commitment to a new chapter of service, which focuses on uplifting humanity through youth empowerment."
Legit.ng reports that Bafarawa served two terms in office from 1999 to 2007 and has remained an influential figure in Nigerian politics. He was one of the founding members of the APC in 2013, a merger that brought together major opposition parties to challenge the then-ruling PDP.
Bafarawa later rejoined the PDP and was active in the party until his resignation in January 2025.
Bafarawa endorses Sokoto governor
Meanwhile, ahead of the 2027 elections, Bafarawa has formally endorsed the incumbent Governor, Ahmed Aliyu of the APC, for a second term.
This endorsement comes as Bafarawa’s political structure in Sokoto state collapsed into the ruling APC on Wednesday, December 17, with hundreds of his supporters officially defecting to the APC.
Source: Facebook
Bafarawa said he will personally support Aliyu’s re-election bid, citing the governor’s character and not his political party affiliation.
Premium Times quoted Bafarawa as saying:
“Governor Aliyu respects me and treats me like a father. Even if my supporters had not joined the APC, I would not oppose Governor Ahmed Aliyu. I will always support him to succeed."
Read more on Attahiru Bafarawa:
- Atiku meets ex-northern governor who dumped PDP for new interest ahead of 2027 election, photos emerge
- After 45 years, top Nigerian politician announces retirement from politics
Bafarawa not joining SDP
Legit.ng earlier reported that Bafarawa dismissed the report of his joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after announcing his exit from the PDP in late 2024.
Bafarawa, a former presidential candidate of the Democratic People's Party (DPP), described the information as false and misleading. He denied ever granting any media interview or consulting with any group on joining the SDP.
Source: Legit.ng
