Namadi Sambo Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, has firmly denied widespread rumours suggesting he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Sambo described the claims as baseless and mischievous fabrications.

The rebuttal, issued through his Media Adviser, Umar Sani, was in response to viral reports and social media chatter that used an old photograph of Sambo alongside Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to support the defection narrative.

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Sambo Reasserts His Loyalty to the PDP Amidst Political Speculations

Sambo, who served as Vice President under former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, stated unequivocally that he remains a “loyal and committed member of the PDP” and has no intention of joining any other political party. According to his media aide, the story of his defection was “a fabrication, laced with mischief and aimed at misleading the public.”

The controversy erupted after a picture showing Sambo with Governor Uba Sani circulated online, sparking rumours that the former Vice President was aligning himself with the APC. However, Sambo’s office clarified that the photograph in question was not recent but rather taken years ago during a condolence visit by Governor Sani following the death of Sambo’s brother, the late Sani Sambo.

“This image is now being deliberately misrepresented to fit a contrived narrative,” the statement asserted.

The former Vice President’s team emphasized that his public appearances, including his scheduled attendance at the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital in Kaduna on Thursday, June 19, 2025, should not be misinterpreted as political gestures.

Legacy Project, Not Political Signal

The statement highlighted that Sambo is set to attend the launch of a significant healthcare infrastructure project — a 300-bed hospital in Kaduna — which was initiated during his tenure in office. His presence at the event is described as a demonstration of his enduring dedication to public service and his commitment to the development of Kaduna State.

“His invitation to witness the completion of this legacy project, and possibly offer a few remarks, must not be misconstrued as a political endorsement or as confirmation of any partisan shift,” the statement clarified.

The project is seen as one of Sambo’s lasting contributions to his home state, and sources close to him insist that he is proud of the initiative and is keen to see it come to full realization, irrespective of political affiliations.

Political Climate and Media Caution

Political watchers say the defection rumours may be part of a broader strategy to sow discord within the PDP ahead of key 2025 political alignments. The timing of the false claims, close to major political realignments expected in the run-up to the next general elections, has raised questions about the motives behind such misinformation.

Umar Sani’s statement did not mince words, warning the public and media outlets to refrain from giving oxygen to unverified stories. “We urge the public and the media to disregard this misinformation and treat it with the contempt it deserves,” the statement read.

Sambo’s media team also urged journalists to exercise caution and professional due diligence before publishing politically sensitive material, especially when such stories have the potential to mislead and manipulate public opinion.

A Man Focused on Legacy, Not Politics

As Nigeria’s political scene continues to evolve rapidly, Sambo’s declaration comes as a stabilizing message, particularly for loyal PDP members concerned about losing a high-profile figure to the opposition. By distancing himself from the APC defection claims, the former Vice President appears more focused on legacy and development than partisan gamesmanship.

Whether his name resurfaces in active political contests remains to be seen. For now, Namadi Sambo remains where he has always stood — firmly in the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party.