Former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has denied reports that he has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claims as “entirely false, unfounded, and malicious.”
Bafarawa, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in January 2025, clarified in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday that he has no intention of joining the APC or any other political party. He emphasized that his resignation from the PDP was motivated by a commitment to youth empowerment and social development rather than partisan politics.
“Let me state, without equivocation, that I have not joined the APC and have no intention of joining the party whatsoever. I also have no intention of joining any other political party,” Bafarawa said. “My decision was informed by my commitment to a new chapter of service, focusing on uplifting humanity through youth empowerment.”
He explained that misconceptions about his alleged APC membership may have arisen because some of his supporters had joined the party. “My supporters, whether young or old, still have the right of freedom of association. Their decision to join the APC is independent of me and driven by their approval of the governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, particularly in the area of security,” he added.
Bafarawa, who served two terms as governor from 1999 to 2007, was one of the founding members of the APC in 2013 but withdrew during the early stages of the party’s formation due to internal disagreements. He later rejoined the PDP and was active until his resignation, citing a desire to focus on youth empowerment and philanthropic initiatives rather than partisan politics.
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The former governor criticized social media rumours and unverified reports linking him to various political parties, stressing that such claims are misleading. “I find it laughable that I am being associated with a political party whose meetings I never attended,” he said.
Bafarawa’s clarification comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as speculation continues about the activities of prominent political figures in Nigeria.