Obinna Simon, popularly known as MC Tagwaye, a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 Presidential Campaign Team, has officially defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing the ruling party’s failure to reward loyalty and uphold its founding principles.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, the renowned entertainer and political figure announced his decision to cut ties with APC, declaring that the party had lost its moral compass and was no longer committed to the welfare of Nigerians.
MC Tagwaye, widely known for his striking resemblance to former President Muhammadu Buhari, minced no words in his scathing critique of APC’s internal dysfunction.
“After months of deep reflection and intense consultations, I, Obinna Simon, aka MC Tagwaye, have made the bold decision to resign my membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and join the Social Democratic Party (SDP),” he stated.
He went further to express his disappointment in APC’s leadership style, describing it as “gerontocratic”—a system dominated by an aging elite with little regard for young and dedicated members.
“The APC has strayed far from its original ideals. It no longer prioritizes the welfare and progress of the Nigerian people. Instead, it operates a structure where a few power brokers dictate the party’s direction, silencing the majority and disregarding their aspirations,” he lamented.
According to MC Tagwaye, the party’s lack of a reward system for loyal members and its policies, which he claimed have worsened hardship for low-income earners, were the final straws that led to his exit.
Why SDP?
The former APC campaign strategist praised the Social Democratic Party for what he described as its “youth-driven, transparent, and accountable” approach to governance.
“In contrast to the APC’s compromised internal democracy, the SDP has emerged as a beacon of hope, a party truly dedicated to the progress of Nigerians. Its vision for a new Nigeria aligns with my aspirations, and I am proud to become a part of this movement,” he declared.
MC Tagwaye also revealed that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to his ward chairman, marking the end of his association with the ruling party. He then urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to embrace the SDP as the vehicle for genuine change.
His defection comes on the heels of a major political shake-up that saw former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and two of his former commissioners also jumping ship to the SDP. The series of defections has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, raising speculations about deepening cracks within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With MC Tagwaye’s exit and other high-profile departures, political analysts suggest that the APC may be facing a looming exodus as discontent brews among its ranks.
The question now is: Will more APC stalwarts follow suit, or will the ruling party find a way to mend its fractured house before the next electoral showdown?
PIONEER NEWS 