In a scathing yet optimistic assessment of Nigeria’s political landscape, Hon Yusuf Amos, a prominent figure in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and former deputy governorship candidate in Adamawa State during the 2023 elections, has declared the SDP as the “new bride” of Nigerian politics.
Speaking exclusively to Tgnews correspondent, Amos emphasized the party’s growing appeal amid widespread disillusionment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He also weighed in on the controversial inclusion of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, into the SDP fold, calling him both an asset and a liability as the party gears up for the 2027 elections.
Hon Amos painted a grim picture of the APC and PDP, accusing both parties of disenfranchising Nigerians and plunging the country into political turmoil.
“Under APC and PDP, Nigerians have been disenfranchised,” he stated. “But SDP is one of the oldest parties and remains the national party that Nigerians can be hopeful about again.”
Highlighting the internal crises plaguing the Labour Party, APC, and PDP, Amos positioned the SDP as a sanctuary for aggrieved politicians seeking a fresh start.
“It’s not a surprise people are trooping into the party as their last resort. It’s a welcome development—an alignment and realignment—and we expect more influx into our party.”
With thousands reportedly dissatisfied with the status quo, Amos predicted a seismic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. “The battle for the 2027 election will be interesting,” he said. “SDP is the new bride people will be courting.”
The recent defection of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a political heavyweight and former APC stalwart, to the SDP has sparked intense debate. Hon Amos did not mince words in his assessment of El-Rufai, describing him as “a discredited politician” desperate to cling to relevance after falling out with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“My personal view on Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is that he is somebody who can’t survive outside the limelight of politics,” Amos remarked.
“Having lost out with Tinubu, he clutches at national relevance. Outside this, El-Rufai is a political nonentity. “Despite his harsh critique, Amos acknowledged El-Rufai’s value to the SDP. “He is, however, a good addition to the party,” he conceded.
“He is an asset, a known hustler, and an adamant fighter with so much courage.” Yet, he cautioned that El-Rufai’s tarnished reputation could hinder the party’s prospects. “He has lost so much credit and respect from Nigerians because of his past antecedents. Many people will not want to have too much to do with him because his negativity will rub off on them and affect public acceptance.”
Amos issued a stern warning to the SDP leadership against offering El-Rufai a ticket to contest in 2027. “The party can rely on his experience, but it will be a big mistake to give him any ticket,” he said.
“No Nigerian will vote for any party that gives El-Rufai a ticket. His years as Governor of Kaduna State revealed a lot about him. His past bosses—Obasanjo and Atiku—have called him a backstabber. A leopard can never change its spots.” Amos predicted electoral disaster for any party that gambles on El-Rufai’s candidacy, urging the SDP to prioritize credibility over clout.
El-Rufai is not the only high-profile figure eyeing the SDP. Hon Amos revealed that political giants like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo, and others are considering joining the party.
“The likes of Atiku, Senator Abbo, and others planning to join the party is a sign that SDP is ready to dislodge APC in 2027,” he said. “In the coming weeks and months, it’s going to be interesting as we anticipate more politicians coming to join us.”
However, Amos expressed skepticism about the motives of some of these aging politicians. Targeting Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Murta Nyako, and former Senator Abdul Aziz Nyako, he argued that their time in the spotlight has passed.
“Politics is not just about winning elections; it’s also about considering others to take the stage when your time is up,” he said.
“Atiku should be thinking of supporting his son, not himself. This is a man who, for the past thirty years, has wanted to be President of this country. One of the major problems of African politicians is that they don’t know when their time is up.”
Drawing a historical parallel, Amos lamented the dominance of elderly leaders in modern Nigerian politics. “Our past leaders like Yakubu Gowon and T.Y. Danjuma were in their late 20s and early 30s when they ruled this country. But now we have politicians in their 70s and 80s wanting to lead. It’s one of the reasons we are where we are as a nation.”
While optimistic about the SDP’s future, Amos warned that the party risks implosion if its leaders prioritize personal ambition over collective interest.
“If these politicians don’t subsume their personal interests and put the party first, honestly, what befalls APC and PDP will befall SDP,” he cautioned.
Turning to his home state of Adamawa, Amos expressed frustration with the political disunity in Adamawa Central, his zone. “Adamawa Northern and Southern zones have had their time, but we in the Central zone are not united,” he said.
“It’s shameful that we’re begging for people to allow us to produce the next governor.” Despite this, he remained confident in the SDP’s prospects. “In 2027, I see SDP doing better in Adamawa State, despite the funny judgments I witnessed when we took our matter to court.”
Looking ahead, Hon Amos vowed to play a pivotal role in the SDP’s 2027 campaign. “I’m going to play a very active role, consulting widely to either contest or play a magnificent role in the success of my party,” he declared.
He also offered rare praise for incumbent Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP, crediting him for recent achievements.
“What gave Fintiri so much popularity in the last three weeks is the creation of chiefdoms and emirates—the happiness index,” Amos said.
“I also say well done to the governor for rural infrastructure in every part of the state.” However, he quickly added that the PDP in Adamawa is “empty,” and its national disarray provides an opening for the SDP to capitalize on in 2027.