Nasarawa State human‑rights lawyer Yahya Dauda Kana has quit the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as he prepares to contest the Kokona West constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.
Kana announced his resignation from the ruling party on Tuesday, saying that he would pursue his political ambition on a new platform after receiving encouragement from supporters to run for the Kokona West seat. The move marks a notable shift in his political alignment ahead of a highly contested election cycle.
The former APC member confirmed his affiliation with the SDP, a party that has been expanding its presence in Nigeria’s northern states. By switching parties, Kana joins a growing number of politicians who have realigned themselves with opposition formations as the 2027 elections approach.
The defection follows a recent visit by Kana to former Minister of Information Labaran Maku at Maku’s residence in Wakama. Observers interpret the meeting as part of broader consultations that may influence Kana’s decision to formalise his departure from the APC and to cement his candidacy under the SDP banner.
Kana, a practising lawyer who specialises in human‑rights advocacy, has previously been vocal on issues of governance and civil liberties in Nasarawa State. His entry into the SDP is expected to bolster the party’s profile in the region, where the APC has traditionally dominated.
The shift comes at a time when political parties across Nigeria are intensifying grassroots mobilisation and candidate selection ahead of the 2027 polls. Analysts suggest that defections such as Kana’s could reshape the competitive landscape in Nasarawa, potentially affecting vote distribution among the major parties.
The SDP has yet to announce its full slate of candidates for the upcoming elections, but the inclusion of a figure with Kana’s legal background and activist credentials may enhance its appeal to voters seeking reform‑oriented representation.
Kana’s next steps involve filing his nomination papers with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and beginning a campaign focused on the Kokona West constituency. His move underscores the fluid nature of party affiliations in Nigeria’s evolving political environment and highlights the strategic calculations of candidates as the 2027 election calendar advances.
