Namadi Sambo has officially dumped the PDP for APC in a surprise political realignment.
His defection ahead of 2027 elections signals renewed ambitions and shifting northern alliances.
In a major political development, Nigeria’s former Vice President Namadi Sambo has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move comes as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sambo, who served as vice president from May 2010 to May 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan, confirmed his defection to the APC, signaling a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Before becoming vice president, he served as the governor of Kaduna State from 2007 until his elevation to the number two position in the presidency.
His defection adds to the growing list of high-profile politicians switching political allegiances, a move analysts describe as a strategic positioning for the next electoral cycle. Though Sambo had been largely silent in the political scene since the end of the Jonathan administration, his recent decision has stirred reactions across party lines.
While the exact reasons for his departure from the PDP remain unclear, sources close to the former vice president suggest that he has grown increasingly disillusioned with the internal workings of the party, particularly its inability to maintain cohesion and strategize effectively after its loss at the 2023 presidential election.
Political watchers also believe Sambo’s move could be aimed at regaining political relevance in his home state of Kaduna and the northern region, where the APC remains dominant. His influence and experience could bolster the ruling party’s strength as it prepares for a tough contest in 2027.
In reaction to the defection, a senior PDP official in Kaduna, who requested anonymity, described Sambo’s exit as unfortunate but not entirely surprising. “The party is aware that some of its prominent members are under pressure to switch sides as the next elections draw closer. We remain focused and will continue to rebuild ahead of 2027,” the official said.
Meanwhile, APC insiders have welcomed Sambo’s entry into the party, viewing it as a strategic gain. “Having someone of his caliber join the APC is a win for us. His experience at the state and federal levels will contribute significantly to the party’s planning and national outreach,” one party member said.
Although Sambo has not yet made a public statement outlining his specific intentions within the APC, there is speculation that he may be gearing up for a significant role, possibly as a kingmaker or adviser in the party’s national campaign team.
Observers note that his crossover may also influence other northern political figures who are still undecided about their political future. It remains to be seen whether his move will spark a wave of defections or prompt internal restructuring within the PDP as it tries to retain its relevance as the main opposition party.
As Nigeria gears up for another election cycle, realignments like Sambo’s will likely shape the emerging political landscape. With his track record in governance and political maturity, Sambo’s presence in the APC could play a role in shaping policy direction and campaign narratives in the coming years.
His return to active politics, now under a different banner, reflects the fluidity of Nigeria’s political scene, where alliances shift quickly and political survival often dictates party loyalty.
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has left the opposition PDP and joined the APC, becoming the latest political heavyweight to switch camps ahead of the 2027 elections. While reasons for his defection remain undisclosed, his move is seen as a strategic return to relevance in northern politics and could reshape dynamics within both parties.
