In a significant political clarification ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, has publicly denied switching his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A Firm Denial and a New Direction
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, Bafarawa issued a definitive statement to quell growing speculation about his party affiliation. The 71-year-old politician, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in January 2025, made his position unequivocally clear.
He stated, "Let me state, without equivocation, that I have not joined the APC and have no intention of joining the party whatsoever. I also have no intention of joining any other political party."
Bafarawa reminded the public of his formal resignation from the PDP on January 8, 2025. He emphasised that his departure was not a mere exit but a strategic move towards a new chapter of service focused on uplifting humanity through youth empowerment.
A Founding Member's Complex Journey
Bafarawa's political history adds depth to his current stance. He is not a stranger to the APC, having been one of its founding members in 2013 during the historic merger of opposition parties that challenged the then-dominant PDP.
After serving two consecutive terms as Governor of Sokoto State from 1999 to 2007, Bafarawa later returned to the PDP, where he remained an active and influential figure until his resignation earlier this year.
Implications for the 2027 Political Landscape
This declaration positions Bafarawa as a significant independent force as Nigeria's political terrain begins to shift focus towards the next electoral cycle. His decision to remain outside the two major parties underscores a potential trend of seasoned politicians seeking alternative platforms or missions beyond traditional party structures.
By prioritising a youth empowerment agenda, Bafarawa is aligning his political capital with a critical demographic, a move that could influence the strategies of other aspirants and parties as they formulate their 2027 campaigns.
His clarification, widely reported by major Nigerian news outlets, effectively halts speculation about an imminent defection and sets a clear, independent course for one of the north-west's enduring political figures.
