Boss Mustapha, a prominent Nigerian political figure and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has vehemently denied claims circulating in local media that he abandoned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement released Sunday, the seasoned politician dismissed the reports as “fake news,” insisting he remains a loyal member of the APC and has held no discussions with opposition groups.
Mustapha, who served as Nigeria’s top civil servant from 2017 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, described the alleged defection as baseless. “I want the general public to know that this is fake news. I am not in any opposition alliance, and I am not in any discussion with those who are involved,” he said. Emphasizing his deep-rooted ties to the APC, he referred to himself as a “principal founding father” of the party, which has governed Nigeria since 2015. “I could not walk away from the party I helped to form,” he added.
Addressing broader political dynamics, Mustapha acknowledged that the APC, like any large organization, faces internal challenges. However, he argued that solutions to such issues should be sought “from within” rather than through defection to rival groups. His remarks coincide with heightened political activity in Nigeria, as opposition factions explore alliances ahead of future elections. The ADC, a coalition partner in the opposition Labour Party-led bloc, has recently sought to consolidate influence ahead of the 2027 polls.
The former SGF urged the public to disregard speculation about his political allegiance, framing the rumor as part of a broader pattern of misinformation. While he did not specify the source of the claim, Nigerian media outlets such as Media Talk Africa had circulated reports linking him to the ADC, prompting his rebuttal.
Mustapha’s career has been closely tied to the APC since its formation in 2013 as a merger of opposition groups seeking to unseat the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party. His tenure as SGF spanned critical periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and contentious elections. Political analysts suggest his denial underscores the sensitivity of party loyalty in Nigeria’s polarized landscape, where high-profile defections often signal shifting power dynamics.
The APC has yet to issue an official response to the rumors, but Mustapha’s forceful dismissal highlights efforts to project unity within the party. As Nigeria navigates economic reforms and security challenges, stability within political institutions remains a focal point for both domestic and international observers. For now, the former cabinet secretary’s reaffirmed commitment to the APC serves to quell speculation while drawing attention to the ongoing contestation of narratives in the country’s vibrant—and often contentious—media environment.
