Drawing on his tenure as GOC, Ali-Keffi rejected assertions that El-Rufai hindered military operations or negotiated with armed groups, stating that the former governor explicitly insisted that criminal elements should face no leniency regardless of ethnicity. He highlighted that the state government actively provided intelligence and maintained smooth operational cooperation through Samuel Aruwan, who managed internal security. Furthermore, Ali-Keffi questioned the timing of the defence minister’s remarks, accusing him of launching opportunistic criticisms only after El-Rufai had exited office and lost political leverage. While defending the former governor against what he termed cheap politics, Ali-Keffi clarified that his defense did not amount to a blanket endorsement of El-Rufai’s entire legacy, noting that he had previously clashed with the administration over personal property demolitions.

According to the official party notice, the fresh primaries will utilize the direct primary mode and are slated to commence at 11 am. The communication, dated August 24, 2026, and directed to the INEC Chairman, bears the signatures of SDP National Chairman Professor Sadiq Gombe and National Secretary Olu Agunloye. Titled “Notice of Party Primary Elections to Replace Governorship Candidates of the Social Democratic Party,” the document clarifies that the internal elections became unavoidable following the formal exit of the initial flagbearers.

The party formally notified the commission, stating its desire to invite INEC to monitor the primary elections aimed at substituting the governorship candidates due to the vacancies created by the withdrawals. Specifically, the direct primary exercises are structured to take place in designated state capitals. In Gombe State, party members are scheduled to gather at the SDP State Secretariat located within the state capital. Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State primary will be hosted at the Ta’al Hotel situated in Lafia, the state capital.

To ensure regulatory compliance, the SDP has also forwarded all necessary documentation concerning the voluntary exits of the former candidates to the electoral body. Attached to the formal notification sent to INEC are the individual withdrawal letters and legal affidavits submitted by the candidates who initially secured the party’s governorship tickets. Consequently, INEC is expected to deploy monitors to oversee the proceedings in alignment with the guidelines provided by the political party.