SDP welcomes former Police DIG Ari, other political associates into its fold in Nasarawa.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nasarawa State has received a major boost ahead of the 2027 general elections following the defection of former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Ali Ari, and several political associates to the party.

The defectors were received at Doma, headquarters of Doma Local Government Area, where a large crowd of SDP supporters, political associates and party candidates gathered to welcome them.

Ari, who was formerly a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had sought the party’s ticket to contest the Nasarawa South Senatorial District seat before withdrawing from the race ahead of the APC primary election.

He and other defectors were formally received into the SDP by the party’s governorship candidate in the state and former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Adamu Abubakar.

Speaking at the event, Abubakar described the turnout as an indication of growing support for the SDP in Doma and across the state.

He appealed to residents to support the party, promising that an SDP-led administration would prioritise good governance, development and the delivery of meaningful dividends of democracy to the people.

Abubakar, however, clarified that the gathering did not mark the formal commencement of the party’s 2027 election campaign, saying the official campaign flag-off would take place at a later date.

The latest defections further underscore the growing political realignments in Nasarawa State as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.