In a significant political shift, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a prominent northern Nigerian figure and former Chief Security Officer to the late military ruler General Sani Abacha, has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This move, announced on March 13, 2025, sees Al-Mustapha aligning with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently defected to the SDP, signaling a potential consolidation of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development has sparked widespread discussion about the evolving political landscape in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, as of March 14, 2025. This article explores Al-Mustapha’s decision, its implications, and the broader context of opposition politics in Nigeria.
Al-Mustapha’s Political Journey and Defection to SDP
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a retired Nigerian Army intelligence officer, has a storied history in Nigeria’s political and military spheres. Born in Nguru, Yobe State, in July 1960, Al-Mustapha rose to prominence as Abacha’s Chief Security Officer from 1993 until the dictator’s death in 1998. During this period, he wielded significant influence, overseeing elite security units and cultivating a vast network of informants across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, a structure he helped establish. His tenure was marked by both loyalty to Abacha and controversy, including his arrest and prolonged detention following Abacha’s death on charges related to coup plots and the murder of Kudirat Abiola, from which he was eventually acquitted in 2013.
Since his release, Al-Mustapha has remained active in Nigerian politics, running for president in 2019 under the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) and in 2023 under the Action Alliance (AA), though he failed to secure significant votes in either election. His latest move to the SDP, announced on March 13, 2025, follows his arrival at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly received by SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam and other party leaders. Accompanied by his entourage, Al-Mustapha emphasized that his decision reflects a commitment to leadership rooted in justice, security, and national progress, aligning with the SDP’s vision for Nigeria.
Joining Forces with El-Rufai
Al-Mustapha’s defection comes on the heels of Nasir El-Rufai’s high-profile move to the SDP, a development that has already shaken Nigeria’s political landscape. El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Kaduna State, announced his departure from the APC earlier in 2025, citing the party’s deviation from its founding principles and its commercialization under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. El-Rufai has vowed to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 elections, positioning the SDP as a viable opposition platform.
The convergence of Al-Mustapha and El-Rufai within the SDP has been described as a game-changer by party leaders and political analysts. Hon. Huzaifa Ibrahim, an SDP chairmanship candidate from Jos North, hailed their entry as a boost to Nigerian politics, urging party members to rally behind El-Rufai, Al-Mustapha, and Gabam to build a stronger opposition. This alliance brings together two northern heavyweights with distinct but complementary profiles: El-Rufai, known for his administrative acumen and political strategy, and Al-Mustapha, recognized for his military background and grassroots influence, particularly in security matters.
Context: A Strategic Opposition Ahead of 2027
The timing of Al-Mustapha’s defection, shortly after El-Rufai’s, suggests a deliberate strategy to bolster the SDP’s position as a formidable opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections. This intent was further evidenced by a “strategic meeting” held on January 7, 2025, at the SDP headquarters in Abuja, attended by El-Rufai, Al-Mustapha, Gabam, and Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s campaign. Showunmi described the meeting as an effort to “review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria” and strengthen the opposition’s stance against the APC.
The SDP, under Gabam’s leadership, has been actively courting prominent politicians disillusioned with the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s two dominant parties. Al-Mustapha’s addition to this coalition enhances the party’s appeal in the northern region, where he retains a significant following due to his association with Abacha and his vocal stance on security issues. His experience as a military intelligence officer and his promises to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges—such as the Boko Haram insurgency and banditry—resonate with voters in the North, a region critical to electoral success in national elections.
Public Sentiment and Political Reactions
Posts on X reflect a mix of optimism, skepticism, and curiosity about Al-Mustapha’s move to the SDP. Some users, such as
@EngrKibiya
, celebrated his defection, praising his commitment to justice and security and expressing hope for national development under the SDP’s banner. Others, like
@Omojuwa
, adopted a more neutral tone, noting the development as a potential effort to “save Nigerians” while awaiting further outcomes. Meanwhile,
@Abu_Aabdhullah
expressed a cautious optimism, hoping that “history be kind” to Al-Mustapha, given his controversial past.
Political reactions have been swift and varied. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, dismissed El-Rufai’s political maneuvers as desperate attempts to remain relevant, arguing that his career is “practically over” after failing to secure a ministerial position in Tinubu’s administration. Ata’s comments, which also criticized El-Rufai’s tenure in Kaduna for exacerbating insecurity, suggest that the APC is bracing for a robust challenge from the SDP and its new northern allies. Conversely, the Labour Party has rejected moves to form an alliance with El-Rufai and the SDP, indicating that not all opposition parties are willing to unite under this emerging coalition.
Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
Al-Mustapha’s alignment with El-Rufai in the SDP has several implications for Nigeria’s political future. First, it strengthens the SDP’s position as a credible alternative to the APC and PDP, potentially attracting other disaffected politicians and voters seeking a change from the status quo. The combination of El-Rufai’s administrative experience and Al-Mustapha’s security expertise could appeal to Nigerians frustrated with the APC’s handling of economic and security challenges under Tinubu’s leadership.
Second, this development could shift the balance of power in the northern region, a key electoral bloc. Both El-Rufai and Al-Mustapha hail from the North and bring significant political capital, potentially challenging the APC’s dominance in the region. Their presence in the SDP may also influence other northern leaders, such as Atiku Abubakar’s allies, to consider aligning with the party, further consolidating opposition forces.
Third, the move raises questions about the SDP’s strategy and viability as a national party. While El-Rufai and Al-Mustapha enhance its northern base, the party will need to broaden its appeal to southern and central Nigeria to compete effectively in 2027. The inclusion of figures like Showunmi, with ties to the PDP and southern constituencies, suggests an effort to build a more inclusive coalition, but the success of this strategy remains to be seen.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite the potential benefits, Al-Mustapha’s entry into the SDP is not without challenges. His controversial past, including his role in the Abacha regime and subsequent legal battles, may alienate some voters and political allies. Critics argue that his association with a repressive military dictatorship could undermine the SDP’s credibility as a democratic alternative. Additionally, his electoral track record—failing to secure significant support in past presidential bids—raises doubts about his ability to mobilize voters on a national scale.
Moreover, the SDP must navigate internal cohesion and external competition. Integrating high-profile figures like El-Rufai and Al-Mustapha, each with strong personalities and distinct agendas, could lead to tensions within the party. Externally, the SDP will face fierce competition from the APC, PDP, and other opposition parties, such as the Labour Party, which has its own growing base under Peter Obi’s influence.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Opposition Politics
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha’s decision to join Nasir El-Rufai in the SDP marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political evolution as of March 14, 2025. This alliance of northern political heavyweights signals the SDP’s ambition to emerge as a formidable opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, challenging the APC’s dominance and offering Nigerians an alternative vision for governance. Al-Mustapha’s focus on justice and security, combined with El-Rufai’s administrative experience, positions the SDP as a party addressing key national concerns, from insecurity to economic stability.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, including overcoming Al-Mustapha’s controversial past, broadening the party’s appeal beyond the North, and maintaining unity within a growing coalition. As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to shift, the SDP’s success will depend on its ability to translate this high-profile alliance into a cohesive and compelling platform that resonates with voters across the country. For now, Al-Mustapha’s move underscores a dynamic and unpredictable period in Nigerian politics, with the potential to reshape the nation’s future.
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