Hon. Theman Wafari Re-emerges in Adamawa Politics, Defects to SDP, Eyes Governorship

By Umar Zubainatu Kambari

Hon. Theman Wafari, a former candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a familiar figure in Adamawa State politics, has formally re-entered the political arena with a renewed ambition to contest the governorship under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Wafari, who was previously active within the APC and participated in its governorship primaries, announced his defection to the SDP after what he described as deep personal and ideological reflection on the direction of governance and party politics in Nigeria.

According to him, his decision to leave the ruling party was driven by concerns that the APC had gradually deviated from the ideals that brought it to power.

“The slogan of APC is change. I was expecting that we would make a real change from the PDP we took power from,”He said.

“But as APC grew, it was taking the path of the PDP. I reflected deeply about certain things, and the result was my defection to SDP.”he added

TGNEWS reports that Hon. Wafari,speaking to journalists on Friday disclosed that he formally resigned from the APC on June 12, 2023, a date he said was deliberately chosen for its symbolic significance in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“I did that on a historic day because I wanted to be reminded of how to run true democracy. That’s what June 12 symbolises,” he explained.

From 2019 to date, Wafari said his political engagement has been largely centered on human capital development and economic reform. He recalled playing a key role in policy conversations within the state, including convening an economic summit while in the State House of Assembly that drew over 200 participants.

“The focus was how to turn things around,” he said. “Lagos was widely perceived to be working at the time, and my concern has long been how to make Adamawa work.”

Now positioning himself within the SDP, Wafari described the party as one with deep historical roots and enduring national appeal. He noted that the SDP was a dominant force in the early 1990s and counted several of today’s leading political figures among its former members.

“SDP is an old name. It reigned in 1992 or thereabout. Many of the big politicians we have today were in SDP,” he said.

“People want to listen when you mention SDP. We want to create a big SDP.”He added

According to Wafari, the party is currently undergoing a strategic repositioning, with efforts focused on building structures at the grassroots level ahead of its convention.

He expressed confidence that the party would soon become more visible and competitive across the state and beyond.

“We are not afraid of APC, nor afraid of PDP or ADC,” he said. “In a few weeks, you may see that SDP is everywhere.”

On governance and leadership, Wafari emphasized inclusiveness, openness, and resilience, stating that public office should be viewed as a partnership with citizens.

“Those in governance should be open to criticism,” he said, adding that electoral outcomes win or lose are opportunities for growth.

“I am not scared of losing. Even losing is a gain. You learn more lessons in your downturn than otherwise,” he noted. “I have lost elections, I have won elections. I take what comes.”

As he prepares for a potential governorship bid in Adamawa State under the SDP, Wafari outlined a personal philosophy rooted in reconciliation and empowerment.

“Let everyone be your friends, including those who gave you no support. You could still have them in the future,” he advised. “My philosophy is to help people develop themselves. That way, you can have peace of mind”He stated

With his re-entry into frontline politics, Hon. Theman Wafari is positioning himself as a reform-minded alternative, betting on the revival of the SDP and a message of human capital development to reconnect with the electorate in Adamawa State.