I HAVE NOT DEFECTED TO APC- BAFARAWA

“Perhaps what is being misconstrued in some quarters as my belongingness to the APC is the fact that my erstwhile supporters have joined the political party. The point must be made that my supporters, whether young or old, still have the right of freedom of association.

“My decision to withdraw from partisan politics is strictly mine, not theirs. If I am tired and retired, they are neither tired nor retired. They are therefore free to join any political party or association, just as a good number of them have now joined the APC. But it is important to note that my supporters did not join the APC for the sake of it.

“Their action is driven by the good works of the governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, especially in the area of security. Their support for and collaboration with the governor will promote peace. As a peace-loving man, I stand for any action that promotes peace. I therefore support their move.

“For those who do not know, I was a founding member of the APC but had to quit the party at its very early stages owing to some irreconcilable differences that crept in at that time. In fact, I find it laughable that I am being associated with a political party whose meetings I never attended. How can I be a member of APC without attending its meetings? The story reads very much like the handiwork of mischief makers,” he concluded.

Bafarawa served two terms as a leader from 1999 to 2007 and has stayed a key person in Nigerian politics. He was one of the original members who started the APC in 2013. This new party was formed by joining several opposition groups to take on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

But during the early days of the APC, there were some disagreements inside the party. Because of this, Bafarawa left the APC before it became the main party in Nigeria in 2015

Bafarawa later rejoined the PDP and was active in the party until his resignation in January 2025, citing a desire to focus on youth empowerment and philanthropic initiatives rather than partisan politics. Since his resignation, speculation has occasionally surfaced in political circles about his possible return to partisan politics, particularly given the realignment of political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This has included social media rumours and unverified reports alleging his affiliation with various political parties, including the APC. Bafarawa’s clarification in this report is aimed at dispelling such misinformation and reaffirming his current non‑political stance.