Faith Meets Politics as Religious Leaders Take a Stand Against Failed Leadership
A popular revered Islamic cleric in Katsina State, Imam Nura Gwanda, has led a major political realignment, leading hundreds of defectors mostly from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Speaking on behalf of the new SDP members, Imam Nura Aliyu stressed the need for religious leaders to take an active role in politics to cleanse the system of corruption and self-interest.
“It is no longer an option for us to remain passive while politics continues to deteriorate. We must engage to bring about real change,” Imam Aliyu declared. “Beware of political sycophants if we are to support a candidate, it must be someone with unquestionable integrity, someone who prioritizes societal progress over personal or family gains.”
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Expressing deep frustration with the state of governance in Katsina, Imam Aliyu lamented the worsening living conditions despite the state’s strong Islamic identity.
“For years, we have longed for meaningful change, yet it remains elusive. Instead of alleviating our struggles, those in power have only deepened them,” he stated. “After careful observation, we have chosen the SDP as the party that can truly address our challenges.”
He clarified that his involvement in politics was not for personal enrichment but to advocate for the people suffering from poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship.
Reflecting on his political journey, which spanned affiliations with the PDP, ANPP, CPC, and APC, Imam Aliyu emphasized that his ultimate goal had always been the welfare of the masses.
“Since 1999, I have been politically active not for personal benefit, but for the good of the people. Now, we are fully committed to ensuring SDP’s success. Come 2027, we will be ready to rescue our people,” he vowed.
SDP’s Katsina State Chairman, Bello Safana, welcomed the wave of defectors, attributing the surge in membership to the party’s transparency and commitment to justice.
“The SDP secretariat has been a hive of activity, especially with influential figures like former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai joining our ranks,” Safana noted. “As of midday, we have registered over 400 new members, most of whom are abandoning the APC, PDP, PRP, and NNPP.
Manh who once believed in the APC’s promises have been disappointed, and now they are embracing the SDP as a viable alternative.”
Reaffirming the party’s stance, Safana stressed, “The SDP stands for justice, progress, and equity. Our open-door policy ensures that we work for the development of Katsina State and Nigeria as a whole.”
