Former Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa has denied reports that he has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released on Thursday, Bafarawa described the allegations as “entirely false, unfounded, and malicious” and emphasized that he has no intention of joining the party.
Bafarawa, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in January 2025, stated that his decision to leave the party was driven by a desire to focus on youth empowerment and philanthropic initiatives. He had announced at the time that he was committed to a new chapter of service, which would prioritize uplifting humanity through youth empowerment programs.
The former governor clarified that his supporters’ decision to join the APC was their own, and that he respected their right to freedom of association. He noted that their support for the party was driven by the good works of the current Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, particularly in the area of security.
Bafarawa’s denial comes amid speculation about his possible return to partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. As a founding member of the APC in 2013, he had withdrawn from the party due to internal disagreements during its early stages. He later rejoined the PDP but resigned in 2025 to focus on non-partisan initiatives.
The former governor’s statement aims to dispel rumors and misinformation about his alleged affiliation with the APC. He reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment and philanthropy, emphasizing that he has no intention of joining any political party. Bafarawa’s clarification is significant, given his influence in Nigerian politics and the ongoing realignment of political actors ahead of the upcoming elections.
As a two-term governor from 1999 to 2007, Bafarawa remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. His decision to withdraw from partisan politics and focus on youth empowerment initiatives has been seen as a positive step towards promoting peace and development in the region. With his latest statement, Bafarawa has reaffirmed his commitment to this path, emphasizing the importance of uplifting humanity through non-partisan initiatives.
