Nigerian Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua has firmly dismissed widespread speculation about plans to abandon the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling the claims unfounded and a product of misinformation. Representing Katsina Central, the lawmaker released a statement late Sunday refuting rumors that he intended to defect to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In his declaration, Yar’adua described the reports as “baseless” and attributed them to “media mischief,” urging journalists to disregard such narratives. He reiterated his loyalty to the APC and its leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, who has faced internal party challenges amid Nigeria’s economic turbulence. “I wish to categorically reaffirm my unwavering commitment and support for the All Progressives Congress,” the senator emphasized, adding that his focus remains on advancing the party’s agenda.
The statement also addressed assumptions about his political affiliations linked to his family name. The Yar’Adua surname carries historical weight in Nigerian politics: the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who governed from 2007 until his death in 2010, was a member of the rival People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Senator Yar’adua clarified, “It’s essential to note that not all individuals sharing the Yar’Adua surname imply a political association with me,” distancing himself from potential inferences about his lineage influencing party alignment.
The denial comes amid heightened political activity in Nigeria, where defections between parties are common ahead of election cycles. The APC, which has governed since 2015, has recently faced public scrutiny over inflation and security challenges, fueling speculation about internal dissent. However, Yar’adua’s rebuke of the rumors underscores efforts to present a unified front within the party.
Analysts suggest such speculation may also stem from attempts to leverage the senator’s influence in Katsina, a politically strategic state in northern Nigeria and the hometown of President Tinubu’s predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Yar’adua’s reaffirmation of loyalty signals stability for the APC in the region, where maintaining support is critical ahead of future elections.
The senator’s office has not provided further details on the origins of the defection claims, though the swift rebuttal highlights the sensitivity of political perceptions in Nigeria’s dynamic landscape. As the APC navigates policy debates and public sentiment, clear alignments among key figures like Yar’adua could play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s trajectory.
