Former Nigerian vice president dumps PDP

In a significant political shift, former Vice President Namadi Sambo has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sambo, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, confirmed his defection after years of loyalty to the PDP. The development adds to the growing list of prominent politicians abandoning the opposition party as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Before rising to the position of Vice President, Sambo was the Governor of Kaduna State between 2007 and 2010. His political influence remains strong in the North-West, particularly in Kaduna, where his recent public appearance alongside incumbent Governor Uba Sani, an APC stalwart, all but sealed speculation about his defection.

His defection is seen as a major gain for the APC as it positions itself for a stronger northern consolidation in the next election cycle. Meanwhile, the PDP continues to grapple with internal wrangling and a wave of high-profile exits threatening its future as a formidable opposition force.