By Our Reporter
Yola, Adamawa – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State has recorded a significant political setback following the defection of Hon. Theman Wafari, a former party secretary and one-time governorship aspirant, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Wafari, who contested the APC governorship primaries in 2023, said his decision to quit the ruling party was informed by deep personal and ideological reflection on the state of governance and party politics in Nigeria.
He expressed disappointment that the APC has, in his view, drifted from the reformist ideals of “change” that brought it to power, raising doubts about its commitment to genuine transformation.
“The slogan of APC is change. I genuinely expected that we would depart completely from the PDP we replaced,” Wafari stated. “But as the party grew, it began to follow the same path as the PDP. After careful reflection, I decided to move to the SDP.”
Addressing journalists during a media engagement at the weekend, Wafari revealed that he formally exited the APC on June 12, 2023 — a date he deliberately chose for its symbolic relevance to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“June 12 represents true democracy,” he explained. “I wanted the date to constantly remind me of how governance should be practiced.”
Wafari noted that since 2019, his political focus has centered on human capital development and economic reforms in Adamawa State. He recalled initiating policy engagements, including convening an economic summit while serving in the State House of Assembly, which drew more than 200 participants.
“The objective was to explore ways of turning things around,” he said. “At the time, Lagos was seen as a model, and my consistent concern has been how to make Adamawa work.”
Explaining his choice of the SDP, Wafari described the party as one with a rich political heritage and enduring national relevance, recalling its prominence in the early 1990s and its association with many of today’s political leaders.
“SDP is a respected name. It was dominant around 1992, and many prominent politicians today were members,” he said. “Once you mention SDP, people pay attention. Our mission is to build a strong and competitive party.”
He added that the SDP is undergoing strategic repositioning, focusing on grassroots mobilisation and structural strengthening ahead of its convention, assuring that the party would soon become a visible force across Adamawa State.
“We are not afraid of APC, PDP or ADC,” Wafari declared. “In a few weeks, you will see the SDP everywhere.”
On leadership and governance, Wafari emphasised inclusiveness, transparency and resilience, stressing that governance should be a collaborative effort between leaders and the people.
“Leaders must be open to criticism,” he said. “Both victory and defeat are opportunities to learn. I am not afraid of losing because even setbacks offer valuable lessons.”
