Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has not defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), contrary to widespread media reports, a former aide has clarified.
On Wednesday, several newspapers reported that Sambo, who served as Vice President under President Goodluck Jonathan between 2010 and 2015, had officially joined the ruling APC and was pictured with the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani.
Reacting to the claim, Umar Sani, former media adviser to the ex-Vice President, issued a press statement debunking the story and describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
“My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated story alleging that His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This claim is entirely false and without any basis,” the statement read.
Sani explained that the photograph circulated in support of the defection claim was outdated and taken during a condolence visit.
“The photograph supporting this falsehood, showing His Excellency with the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, is not recent. It was taken years ago during a condolence visit by the Governor to His Excellency’s residence in Abuja, following the demise of his brother, the late Sani Sambo. The image is now being deliberately misrepresented to fit a contrived narrative,” he said.
He further clarified that Sambo’s scheduled appearance at the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital in Kaduna on Thursday, 19th June 2025, should not be interpreted as political alignment.
“This project, which he initiated during his time in office, stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to public service and 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.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo remains a loyal and committed member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He has no intention of joining any other political party. The defection story is purely the figment of the imagination of its authors calculated to sow confusion and achieve cheap political mileage.”