At least 200 members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Adamawa State have defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), declaring support for the party’s governorship candidate, Christopher Nathaniel, ahead of the 2027 election.
The defection was announced in Yola during the unveiling of Dr Fauziyah Ahmed Rufai as Nathaniel’s running mate for the 2027 Adamawa governorship election.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Dr Mustapha Mohammad Abbo said they decided to align with the SDP because of Nathaniel’s proposed policies and political agenda for the state.
The development adds to the series of political realignments taking place in Adamawa ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, as parties and political actors intensify efforts to build their structures across the state.
The defectors said Nathaniel’s plans for Adamawa informed their decision to leave the NNPP and support his candidacy.
The announcement coincided with the SDP’s stakeholders’ consultative meeting, where party leaders, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders gathered to discuss preparations for the 2027 election.
SDP unveils running mate
At the event, Nathaniel formally unveiled Dr Fauziyah Ahmed Rufai as his deputy governorship candidate.
Nathaniel said the choice followed consultations and careful consideration of Rufai’s experience, professional background and capacity to contribute to the development of the state.
Rufai, a petroleum geologist, university lecturer and researcher, is expected to work alongside Nathaniel as the SDP campaigns for the governorship in 2027.
Nathaniel said her emergence also gives a woman a prominent position on the SDP governorship ticket.
He called for unity and cooperation among party members, while urging stakeholders to focus their campaign on issues affecting the people of Adamawa.
The SDP candidate has previously outlined agriculture, particularly livestock and rice production, as key areas of his proposed economic programme for the state. He has also spoken about industrialisation, healthcare, education and transportation as areas his administration would prioritise if elected.
The 2027 Adamawa governorship election is expected to feature a competitive field of candidates from several political parties, with campaigns and political alignments already gathering momentum ahead of the poll.
