Mass Exodus: Ex-SDP Chairmanship candidate, Hundreds of Supporters Defect to APC on Maikaya’s Call in Nasarawa
By Yahaya Idris, Toto
In a significant political realignment that underscores shifting allegiances ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial polls in Nasarawa State, Muhammed Maina Dikko, a former chairmanship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Toto Local Government Area, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection ceremony unfolded on Tuesday in Toto town, drawing hundreds of supporters who followed Dikko in crossing over to the ruling APC.
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Eyewitnesses described the event as historic and charged with enthusiasm, signaling a potential game-changer in the ward’s political dynamics.
Dikko, who contested the SDP ticket during the recent local government elections, cited the leadership qualities of Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, popularly known as Ciroman Toto, as the pivotal factor.
Maikaya, an APC gubernatorial aspirant, has emerged as a rallying figure in Nasarawa’s political arena.
Global Times Nigeria Investigations reveal that Dikko’s move was not impulsive. Sources close to him indicated months of consultations, driven by frustrations within the SDP and admiration for APC’s structure.
“The SDP gave me a platform, but my heart has always been with APC,” Dikko told reporters at the event.
He praised Maikaya’s “unwavering dedication, commitment to people without discrimination, and clear vision.”
Dikko recounted a pivotal heart-to-heart discussion with the aspirant, which solidified his decision.
“This is my resolve, together with our party’s gubernatorial aspirant and the incoming Governor of Nasarawa State, Insha Allah,” he declared.
Political analysts note that such defections are common in Nasarawa, where political loyalties often trump party lines.
Toto LGA, with its diverse ethnic makeup including Egbira, Gade ,Hausa, Nupe. Gana Gana, Gbagyi and others communities, has seen similar shifts, bolstering APC’s dominance under Governor Abdullahi A. Sule.
While welcoming the defectors, Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, flanked by APC ward executives, warmly welcomed Dikko and his followers.
He commended the ward APC leadership for their “discipline, dedication, and organizational strength,” urging members to stay punctual and focused.”
You are sitting with Maikaya today as an aspirant and son of this ward. Tomorrow, Insha Allah, you will sit with me as Governor of Nasarawa State from Toto Ward,” Maikaya assured the crowd, eliciting cheers.
This rhetoric aligns with Maikaya’s campaign narrative, positioning him as a homegrown leader capable of elevating Toto.
Investigative checks confirm Maikaya’s rising profile, fueled by his philanthropy and advocacy for rural development in Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Maikaya reaffirmed APC’s commitment to building on Governor Sule’s achievements in infrastructure, health, agriculture, and education. “We are united, forward-looking, and ready to deliver greater value through a stronger platform,” he stated.
Party chieftains, including the ward Chairman and Secretary, echoed this. They revealed APC’s inclusiveness as key to attracting “progressive minds committed to service.”
The Secretary noted recent defections from PDP and SDP have swelled membership by over 20% in Toto.
Further investigation revealed that the state has been an APC stronghold since 2015, with Sule securing re-election in 2023 amid defections from opposition ranks.
Political observers view this as a boost for APC in Toto Ward, fortifying Maikaya’s frontrunner status.
“Maikaya is becoming a unifying force in Nasarawa’s evolving landscape,” said Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu, a political analyst.
For SDP, the defection exposes internal fissures. Party insiders whisper of ticket-selling allegations during primaries, which may have alienated candidates like Dikko.
SDP state chairman was unreachable for comment as of press time. Beyond Toto, this could trigger a domino effect.
What Next for Defectors? Dikko’s group brings not just numbers but grassroots networks, aimed to aiding APC’s voter mobilization.
As Nasarawa eyes 2027, this defection spotlights the premium on personality-driven politics.
