A sweeping political realignment has struck the Social Democratic Party in Niger State as seven Local Government Party Chairmen, their executives and hundreds of ward-level officials resigned en masse and announced their move to the African Democratic Congress.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on November 30 by former SDP Zonal Chairman for Niger North Zone C, Umar Gwandu Wushishi, after a crucial meeting of zonal leaders, LGA chairmen and members of the State Executive Council.
The gathering reviewed recent tensions in the party and assessed the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Stakeholders concluded that the zone required a fresh direction and a platform they believed could better advance its collective interests. By the end of the meeting, every LGA chairman from Agwara, Borgu, Mariga, Mashegu, Magama, Rijau and Wushishi had stepped down with their executives. Ward officers followed suit, triggering one of the largest coordinated exits the party has witnessed in the state.
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A record of names and signatures of defecting members was being compiled at the time of this report. The movement includes several senior figures such as Hon. Umar Gwandu Wushishi, Professor Rabiu Bello, Hon. Murtala Dantoro and DSP Ibrahim Ladan Tukunji. Candidates who contested chairmanship and councillorship seats in the November 1 local government elections have also joined the ADC, dealing a heavy blow to the SDP’s organisational strength in Zone C.
Stakeholders said the decision was driven by a shared desire to align with a party they consider more stable and forward-looking. Wushishi praised the unity and resolve of those involved, describing the mass defection as a bold step toward a more cohesive political future under the African Democratic Congress.
